STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS
,
No.
2
SABBATH SCHOOL
LESSON
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THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on
mind and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the
study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to
give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If
God's Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind,
a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."
—Steps to Christ,
page 90.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge
myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School
lesson each day of the week.
Na
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Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
Paul's First Missionary Journey; Cyprus and Pisidia
2.
The Apostles in Conflict With Heathenism
3.
The Council of Jerusalem Brings Harmony
4.
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
5.
The Gospel in Macedonia and Greece
6.
The Gospel in Corinth; Beginnings in Ephesus
7.
Paul's Three Years at Ephesus
8.
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem
9.
Paul's Imprisonment
10.
Paul Before Felix and Festus
11.
Paul Before King Agrippa
12.
The Journey to Rome
13.
Paul's Last Years
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Copyright, 1967, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS, No. 2
Lesson 1, for January 6, 1968
Paul's First Missionary Journey; Cyprus and Pisidia
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 13:1-50.
MEMORY VERSE:
"The Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness
of thy
rising."
Isa. 60:3.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 160-176; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To observe how the apostles, under the guidance of the
Holy Spirit, carried on a systematic and successful evangelistic campaign
among heathen people.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 14-16.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Thursday: Recd from study helps.
Monday: Questions 4-9.
❑
Friday: Review eht1R1-1.c.sson.
Tuesday: Questions 10-13.
❑
Check Here
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
1. Saul and Barnabas Selected
1. The prophets and teachers of
Antioch. Acts 13:1.
2. Instruction from the Holy Spirit
•
Acts 13:2.
3. The missionaries appointed.
Acts 13:3, 4 (first part), 5 (last
part).
II. The Gospel to Cyprus
4. The arrival on Cyprus. Acts 13:4
(last part), 5 (first part).
5. In the Jewish synagogue. Acts 13:5.
6. The gospel to the governor.
Acts 13:7.
III. Resistance and Acceptance
7. Serious opposition by a sorcerer.
Acts 13:6, 8-11.
8. The governor converted. Acts 13:12.
9. Saul of Tarsus becomes Paul the
apostle. Acts 13:9.
IV. Evangelism in Antioch of Pisidia
10. The defection of John Mark.
Acts 13:13.
11. The first Sabbath in Antioch.
Acts 13:14, 16, 42.
12. Christ the center of the gospel.
Acts 13:22, 23, 27-37.
13. Blessing to those who believed.
Acts 13:38, 39.
V. A Church Established
14. The second Sabbath in Antioch.
Acts 13:42, 44.
15. Opposition to the gospel.
Acts 13:45-50.
16. The gospel to the Gentiles.
Acts 13:46.
3
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Devout prophets and teach-
ers in Antioch were directed by the Holy
Spirit to ordain Saul and Barnabas to go
forth as missionaries to the Gentiles. Their
first point of call was the island of Cyprus,
where God gave them victory over satanic
opposition, and the governor of the island
as a convert. From there they went to the
mainland, evangelizing both Jews and Gen-
tiles in Antioch of Pisidia, and going on to
cities in the province of Lycaonia. Churches
were organized and church officers elected.
Places:
Antioch in Syria; Seleucia its
seaport; Salamis and Paphos in Cyprus;
Perga in Pamphyllia; Antioch in Pisidia.
Persons:
Saul, Barnabas, Simeon Niger,
Lucius, and Manaen, prophets and teach-
ers of Antioch; John Mark, Barnabas's
nephew; Elymas, the Cypriot sorcerer; the
governor of Cyprus, Sergius Paulus; Jews
in the synagogue; Gentiles of the cities.
Interesting Terms:
"Deputy." The origi-
nal word should be translated "Proconsul,"
the title of the governor of a province,
serving under the political control of the
Roman senate, rather than under the em-
peror.
"Minister." John Mark as a "minister"
was the servant or attendant of the mis-
sionaries.
Saul and Barnabas Selected
1.
Who were the leading gospel
workers in the church of Antioch in
Syria? Acts 13.1.
NoTE.—The men named were "prophets"
and "teachers." Prophecy and teaching were
gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:8, 10; Eph.
4:11), and these men were "spiritual" men
(Gal. 6:1), men possessed of spiritual gifts
for the upbuilding of the church.
2.
What instruction did the Holy
Spirit give? Acts 13:2.
3.
By what ceremony and for what
work were Saul and Barnabas set
aside? Who else was in the mission-
ary party? Acts 13:3, 4 (first part), 5
(last part). Compare Acts 12:25.
NOTE.—"Both Paul and Barnabas had
been laboring as ministers of Christ, and
God had abundantly blessed their efforts;
but neither of them had previously been
formally ordained to the gospel ministry by
prayer and the laying on of hands. They
were now authorized by the church, not
only to teach the truth, but to baptize,
and to organize churches, being invested
with full ecclesiastical authority."—E. G.
White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 42.
"The ceremony of the laying on of hands
added no new grace or virtual qualification.
It was merely setting the seal of the
church upon the work of God—an ac-
knowledged form of designation to an
appointed office.
"This form was a significant one to the
Jews. When a Jewish father blessed his
children, he laid his hands reverently upon
their heads. When an animal was devoted
to sacrifice, the hand of the one invested
with priestly authority was laid upon the
head of the victim. Therefore, when the
ministers of Antioch laid their hands upon
the apostles, they, by that action, asked
God to bestow His blessing upon them, in
their devotion to the specific work which
God had chosen them to
do."—Ibid.,
p. 44.
The word "apostle" comes from a Greek
word meaning "sent." Our word "mission-
ary" comes from a Latin word having the
same meaning. The words meant originally
the same thing, and Saul and Barnabas
now became "apostles" in the strict mean-
ing of the word, men "sent," or "mission-
aries."
The Gospel to Cyprus
4.
Where did the newly ordained
missionaries first go, and why? Acts
13:4 (last part), 5 (first part).
NOTE.—Barnabas was from Cyprus. Acts
4:36. The island was not far from the
missionaries' point of sailing. Copper
4
mines held a busy working population on
the island, including many Jews. The pa-
ganism was of a morally degrading char-
acter.
5.
To whom did Saul and Barnabas
first preach? Acts 13:5.
NOTE.—It was the invariable practice of
the apostle to the Gentiles to preach first
to the Jews, usually as a part of his initial
endeavors in a new place. See also Acts
17:1, 2; 18:1, 4; 19:1, 8.
6.
At Paphos who was especially
eager to hear the gospel? Acts 13:7.
Resistance and Acceptance
7.
What particular resistance to the
gospel was met at Paphos? Acts 13:6,
8-11.
8.
What blessing came to Sergius
Paulus? Acts 13:12.
9.
What change of name came to
Saul about this time? Acts 13:9.
Nora.—The name Saul meant "asked"
(Hebrew), and Paul meant "little" (Latin).
Various theories have been put forward to
explain the change of name: (1) That
"Paul" was a nickname from his early
youth; (2) that it was conferred upon him
by the Roman governor of Cyprus, Sergius
Paulus, Paul's first influential convert; (3)
that since he was starting on a preaching
tour in distant lands among the Gentiles,
he adopted a Roman name. The last seems
the most reasonable explanation.
Evangelism in Antioch and Pisidia
10.
What occurred at Perga? Acts
13:13.
NOTE.—"It was here that Mark, over-
whelmed with fear and discouragement,
wavered for a time in his purpose to give
himself wholeheartedly to the Lord's work.
Unused to hardships, he was disheartened
by the perils and privations of the way.
He had labored with success under favor-
able circumstances; but now, amidst the
opposition and perils that so often beset
the pioneer worker, he failed to endure
hardness as a good soldier of the cross. He
had yet to learn to face danger and per-
secution and adversity with a brave heart.
As the apostles advanced, and still greater
difficulties were apprehended, Mark was
intimidated and, losing all courage, re-
fused to go farther and returned to Jeru-
salem."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
169, 170.
11.
Where in Antioch did the mis-
sionaries start preaching? To whom?
Acts 13:14, 16, 42.
NOTE.—In the synagogue were "men of
Israel," that is, Jews, and "ye that fear
God." The "God fearers" were evidently
proselytes to Judaism from paganism, who
had received circumcision and been ad-
mitted to synagogue worship. They were
thus farther advanced into the Jewish faith
than the "devout" ones.
Antioch was an important city in Pisidia
and was called the "little Damascus." The
populace was cosmopolitan and included,
besides natives, Greeks, Romans, and a
large Jewish segment.
12.
Concerning whom did Paul
preach? Acts 13:22, 23, 27-37. Com-
pare Acts 8:35.
NoTE.—Christ was always the center of
Paul's preaching, and also of his writing.
Paul's recorded sermons and the admoni-
tions of his epistles are filled with loving
and instructive references to Jesus. Paul's
life and work was Christ-centered, as ours
should be.
"Before his conversion, Paul was a bit-
ter persecutor of the followers of Christ.
But at the gate of Damascus a voice spoke
to him, light from heaven shone into his
soul, and in the revelation that there came
53
to him, of the Crucified One, he beheld
that which changed the whole current of
his life. Henceforth love for the Lord of
glory, whom he had so relentlessly perse-
cuted in the person of His saints, came be-
fore all else. To him had been given the
ministry of making known 'the mystery'
which had been 'kept secret since the
world began.' He is a chosen vessel unto
Me,' declared the Angel who appeared to
Ananias, 'to bear My name before the
Gentiles, and kings, and the children of
Israel.'
"And throughout his long term of ser-
vice, Paul never faltered in his allegiance
to his
Saviour."—Gospel Workers,
page 58.
13. What blessing did Paul say the
Lord would bring to those who be-
16. When the Jews rejected the
lieved in Him? Acts 13:38, 39. Com- gospel message, to whom did Paul
pare Acts 2:38 and 3:19.
turn? Acts 13:46.
Lesson 2, for January 13, 1968
The Apostles in Conflict With Heathenism
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts
13:51 to 14:28.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Nevertheless He left not Himself without witness, in that He
did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our
hearts with food and gladness." Acts 14:17.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 177-187; "S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To learn how the Holy Spirit succeeded in converting
opposing Jews and unregenerate heathen through the instrumentality of
courageous and determined men.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
A Church Established
14.
When did Paul again preach in
the synagogue, and to whom? Acts
13:42, 44.
15.
What bitter opposition arose
against the apostle? Acts 13:45-50.
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions
1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-7.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
❑
Thursday: Read from study helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
The
Setting
of the Lesson
I. Success in Iconium
1. The apostles move to Iconium.
Acts 13:51.
2.
The believers filled with the Holy
Spirit. Acts 13:52.
3.
The gospel to Jews and Gentiles.
Acts 14:1-3.
4.
The opposition of persecutors.
Acts 14:4-7.
[6]
II. Dangers in Lystra
5.
A miracle of healing. Acts 14:8-10;
16:1, 2 ; 2 Tim. 3:10, 11.
6.
An attempt to worship the mis-
sionaries. Acts 14:11-13.
7.
Paul resists honors. Acts 14:14, 15
(first part).
S. The true God identified.
Acts 14:15-18.
9.
Would-be worshipers become en-
emies. Acts 14:19.
10.
Paul goes to Derbe. Acts 14:20.
III.
Organizing New Churches
11.
The converts confirmed.
Acts 14:21, 22.
12.
Elders elected. Acts 14:23.
13.
The return to Antioch in Syria.
Acts 14:26, 27.
14.
God's grace to the Gentiles.
Acts 14:27 (last part).
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
When Paul and Barnabas
left Antioch in Pisidia, they entered a
more remote and less cultured area. There
were communities of Jews in Iconium and
Lystra which furnished both converts to,
and bitter opponets of, the gospel. Many
of the heathen were converted. Undoubt-
edly dangers in this region are among those
to which Paul referred in 2 Corinthians
11:26.
Places:
The cities of Iconium, Lystra,
and Derbe in the province of Lycaonia, in
the south-central part of modern Turkey.
Iconium is now called Konya.
Persons:
Paul and Barnabas; the Jews;
a lame man; heathen priests; Timothy of
Lystra; Gaius of Derbe; many Gentile be-
lievers; church elders.
Interesting Terms:
"Rent their clothes."
A Jewish gesture, in which the outer gar-
ment was ripped through the lower hem,
in vigorous disapproval of something oc-
curring; usually, as here, an act of irrever-
ence. It was unlawful for the high priest
to rend his robe. See Matt. 26:65; Lev.
21 : 10.
"Ordained .. . elders." The word "elder"
comes from two Greek words: (1)
episko-
pos,
meaning "overseer," whence come the
English words "episcopacy" and "bishop";
and
(2) presbuteros,
whence come the En-
glish words "presbyter" (elder) and "Pres-
byterian." The two words describe the
same office, as in Acts 20:17, 28 and Titus
1:5-7. In the early Christian church there
were no bishops in the modern sense of
that term.
Success in Iconium
1.
To what place did Paul and
Barnabas next go? Acts 13:51.
NoTE.—Shaking off the dust from the
sandals was a mark of supreme repudiation
for the Jew. Jesus had given instructions
that "when they persecute you in this
city, flee ye into another." Matt. 10:23.
2.
What was the spiritual condition
of the believers? Acts 13:52.
3.
What two classes listened to the
apostles' preaching? What striking
signs attended the gospel work? Acts
14:1-3.
NOTE.—"The apostles, however, were not
easily turned from their work, for many
were daily embracing the doctrine of Christ.
They went on faithfully in the face of
opposition, envy, and prejudice. Miracles
were daily wrought by the disciples
through the power of God; and all whose
minds were open to evidence were affected
by the convincing power of these things.
"This increasing popularity of the doc-
trine of Christ stirred the unbelieving Jews
to fresh opposition. . . . They went to the
authorities, and represented their work in
the most false and exaggerated light, lead-
ing the officers to fear that the entire city
C
7]
was in danger of being incited to insurrec-
tion. They stated that great numbers were
attaching themselves to the apostles, and
suggested that it was for secret and dan-
gerous designs.
"In consequence of these charges, the
disciples were repeatedly brought before
the authorities; but in every case they so
ably defended themselves before the people,
that, although the magistrates were prej-
udiced against them by the false state-
ments they had heard, they dared not
condemn them. They could but acknowl-
edge that the teachings of the apostles
were calculated to make men virtuous, law-
abiding citizens."—E. G. White,
Sketches
From the Life of Paul,
pages 52, 53.
4.
What sort of opposition devel-
oped? From what threat did the apos-
tles flee? Acts 14:4-7.
NoTE.—"The rage of the Jews was
worked up to such a pitch on this account
that they determined tp compass their ends
in some manner. They stirred up the worst
passions of the ignorant, noisy mob, creat-
ing a tumult which they attributed to the
efforts of the apostles. They then prepared
to make a false charge of telling force, and
to gain the help of the magistrates in carry-
ing out their purpose. They determined
that the apostles should have no oppor-
tunity to vindicate themselves; but that
mob power should interfere, and put a stop
to their labors by stoning them to death.
"Friends of the apostles, although un-
believers, warned them of the designs of
the malicious Jews, and urged them not
to expose themselves uselessly to their fury,
but to escape for their lives. They ac-
cordingly departed from Iconium in secret,
and left the faithful and opposing parties
to battle for themselves, trusting God to
give victory to the doctrine of Christ."—
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 54.
Dangers in Lystra
5.
What miracle took place in Lys-
tra? Who was a noteworthy convert
gained in that city? Acts 14:8-10; 16:
1, 2; 2 Tim. 3:10, 11.
6.
With whom did the people iden-
tify Paul and Barnabas, and with
what consequence? Acts 14:11-13.
NoTE.—"These Lycaonians . .. exclaimed
that the gods had again visited them in
the likeness of men, that Jupiter and Mer-
cury were again in Lycaonia, that the per-
suasive speaker was Mercury and his com-
panion Jupiter. They identified Paul with
Mercury, because his eloquence corre-
sponded with one of that divinity's attri-
butes. Paul was the 'chief speaker,' and
Mercury was the god of eloquence. And
if it be asked why they identified Barnabas
with Jupiter, it is evidently a sufficient
answer to say that these two divinities
were always represented as companions in
their terrestrial expeditions."—W. J. Cony-
beare and J. S. Howson,
The Life and
Epistles of St. Paul,
page 192.
7.
How did Paul disclaim proffered
honors? Acts 14:14, 15 (first part).
8.
In what terms did Paul identify
the one true God? Acts 14:15-18.
NoTE.—Paul presented the God of
heaven as a God who is the ruler of all
nature, and who supplies men's needs
through nature's operations, personally
supplying each of His creatures, whether
or not they are serving Him. Compare
Matt. 5:45.
9.
Into what contrary course did
enemy Jews from other cities lead the
people? Acts 14:19.
10.
To what city did Paul and
Barnabas next go? Acts 14:20.
Organizing New Churches
11.
As the apostles traveled back
the way they had come, how was the
[Si
faith of the believers strengthened?
Acts 14:21, 22.
NOTE.—"This is one great typical lesson
taught us here by St. Paul's return journey
through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of
Pisidia. Preaching and evangelistic work
are important; but pastoral work and
church consolidation and church order
are equally important, if any permanent
fruits are to be garnered and preserved."—
The Expositor's Bible
(Eerdmans, 1947),
Vol. 5. p. 455.
12. What was done to establish the
work already begun? Acts 14:23.
NOTE.—"Churches were duly organized
in the places before mentioned, elders ap-
pointed in each church, and the proper
order and system established there."—The
Spirit of Prophecy,
Vol. 3,
p.
368.
13.
How did the apostles testify in
Antioch concerning the work of the
Lord? Acts 14:26, 27.
14.
To what class especially had
God extended His grace? Acts 14:27
(last part).
Lesson 3, for January 20, 1968
The Council of Jerusalem Brings Harmony
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 15:1-31.
MEMORY VERSE:
"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
we shall be saved, even as they." Acts 15:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of- the Apostles," pages 188-200; "S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To see how the church, through the deliberations of a
council of its delegates, and through the influence of the Holy Spirit, could
settle a serious point of difference as to what elements of the Mosaic ritual
should be required of those converted, to Jesus Christ from heathenism.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4, 5.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 6-10.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
❑
Thursday: Read from study helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Controversy Over Observances
1.
The erroneous teaching of some
Jewish Christians. Acts
15:1.
2.
The plea for the Gentiles.
Acts 15:2.
3.
A good report to the churches en
route. Acts 15:3.
II. A Church Council Convened
4.
-
Paul's testimony of the work of
God. Acts 15:4, 6 ; Gal. 2
:2.
5.
James, the counsel president.
Acts 15:13.
[9],
III. The Elements of the Controversy
6.
Insistence on ritual. Acts 15:5.
7.
Peter's position. Acts 15:7, 8.
8.
The purification of the Gentiles.
Acts 15:9.
9.
Freedom for the Gentiles.
Acts 15:10.
10.
Salvation by grace of Jesus.
Acts 15:11.
IV. Minimum Requirements Defined
1.1.
Gentile Christian not obligated by
Hebrew ritual. Acts 15:24, 20, 29.
12.
The Holy Spirit's instructions.
Acts 15:28.
13.
The decision sent to the churches.
Acts 15:22, 23, 27.
14.
Rejoicing among the Gentile con-
verts. Acts 15:31.
THE LESSON
posed in this by the believing Jews of
Antioch, who favored the position of those
from Judea. The matter resulted in much
discussion and want of harmony in the
church, until finally the church at Antioch,
apprehending that a division among them
would occur from any further discussion of
the question, decided to send Paul and
Barnabas, together with some responsible
men of Antioch, to Jerusalem, to lay the
matter before the apostles and elders."—
E. G. White,
Sketches Front the Life of
Paul,
page 63.
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Many converted Pharisees,
often called Judaizers, wanted the con-
verted heathen to observe certain rules
concerning circumcision and other rituals
of the Mosiac law as necessary to salva-
tion. Paul and Barnabas considered that
the Gentiles, saved by the grace of Christ,
should not be thus burdened. James, the
presiding officer of the council, and Simon
Peter stood with the missionaries and
gained victory on the side of freedom in
Christ, although Peter later wavered. Gal.
2:11-21.
Places:
Cities in Phoenicia and Samaria
where there were churches; Jerusalem;
Antioch in Syria.
Persons:
Saul; Barnabas; Simon Peter;
James the brother of Jesus, and president
of the council of Jerusalem; church elders;
the believers; Judas Barsabas; Silas.
Controversy Over Observances
1. What did certain Jewish Chris-
tians from Judea teach? Acts 15:1.
NOTE.—"Certain Jews from Judea raised
a general consternation among the believ-
ing Gentiles by agitating the question of
circumcision. They asserted with great as-
surance, that none could be saved without
being circumcised and keeping the entire
ceremonial law.
"This was an important question, and
one which affected the church in a very
great degree. Paul and Barnabas met it
with promptness, and opposed introducing
the subject to the Gentiles. They were op-
2. In the controversy over the cere-
monial law what relief did the apos-
tles seek? Acts 15:2.
NOTE.—"There are two errors against
which the children of God—particularly
those who have just come to trust in His
grace—especially need to guard. The first,
already dwelt upon, is that of looking to
their own works, trusting to anything they
can do, to bring themselves into harmony
with God. He who is trying to become
holy by his own works in keeping the law,
is attempting an impossibility. All that man
can do without Christ is polluted with sel-
fishness and sin. It is the grace of Christ
alone, through faith, that can make us
holy.
"The opposite and no less dangerous er-
ror is that belief in Christ releases men
from keeping the law of God; that since
by faith alone we become partakers of the
grace of Christ, our works have nothing
to do with our redemption.
"But notice here that obedience is not a
mere outward compliance, but the service
of
love."—Steps to Christ,
pages 59, 60.
[ 10
3.
How did the churches of Phoe-
nicia and Samaria respond to the
apostles' testimony? Acts 15:3.
A Church Council Convened
4.
To what groups did Paul report
when he reached Jerusalem? Acts 15:
4, 6; Gal. 2:2.
NOTE.—Paul reported (1) to the church
at Jerusalem; (2) to certain leading apos-
tles privately (Gal. 2:2) ; (3) to the apos-
tles and elders in council.
5.
Who presided at the council?
Acts 15:13.
NoTE.—In chapter 12 is the record of the
martyrdom of James the son of Zebedee.
The James who presided at the council
was a brother of Jesus, and doubtless the
author of the Epistle of James.
"The council which decided this case
was composed of the founders of the
Jewish and Gentile Christian churches.
Elders from Jerusalem, and deputies from
Antioch, were present; and the most in-
fluential churches were represented. The
council did not claim infallibility in their
deliberations, but moved from the dictates
of enlightened judgment, and with the
dignity of a church established by the
divine
will."—The Spirit of Prophecy,
Vol.
3, p. 376.
The Elements of the Controversy
6.
What was insisted upon by one
faction among the Christian Jews?
Acts 15:5.
"The more we search the Bi-
ble, the deeper is our convic-
tion that it is the Word of
the living God, and human
reason bows before the maj-
esty of divine revelation."—
Education,
page 170.
7.
How did Peter defend the work
of Paul and Barnabas, and upon the
basis of what experience? Acts 15:7, 8.
8.
How does the gospel affect the
relationship and standing of Chris-
tian Jews and Gentiles? Acts 15:9.
NOTE.—
"
Peter told of his astonishment
when, in speaking the words of truth to
those assembled at the home of Cornelius,
he witnessed the Holy Spirit taking pos-
session of his hearers, Gentiles as well
as Jews. The same light and glory that
was reflected upon the circumcised Jews
shone also upon the faces of the uncircum-
cised Gentiles. This was God's warning
that Peter was not to regard one as in-
ferior to the other, for the blood of Christ
could cleanse from all uncleanness."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 193.
9.
What reasonable appeal did
Pe-
ter
then make? Acts 15:10. Compare
Gal. 5:1-4.
10.
How only are sinners saved?
Acts 15:11. Compare Acts 4:12; Eph.
2:5, 8; Gal. 2:16; Rom. 3:26-28.
NOTE.—"The conversion of the human
soul is of no little consequence. It is the
greatest miracle performed by divine
power. Actual results are to be reached
through a belief in Christ as a personal
Saviour. Purified by obedience to the law
of God, sanctified by a perfect observance
of His holy Sabbath, trusting, believing,
patiently waiting, and earnestly working
out our own salvation with fear and trem-
bling, we shall learn that it is God that
worketh in us to will and to do of His
good pleasure."—Evangelism, pages 289,
290.
Minimum Requirements Defined
11.
What was the decision of the
council? Acts 15:24, 20, 29.
NOTE.
-(1)
Foods offered to idols were
deemed polluted, even if bought in the
bazaars. Compare 1 Cor. 10:19-21. (2) For-
nication was a very common sin among
the heathen of that time; some classical
writers insisted that fornication is not a
sin. (3) Things strangled, because the He-
brew law required that the blood be
thoroughly drained from any living crea-
ture that was to be eaten. (4) Blood, for
it was not to be used (Gen. 9:4; Lev. 3:17,
et cetera) ; "the life of the flesh is in the
blood" (Lev. 17:11). Blood dishes were a
favorite food among the pagans.
12. What divine Personality had
directed this council's decision? Acts
15:28.
13.
What cheering words were
sent from the council to the Gentile
Christian churches? Acts 15:22, 23, 27.
14.
What was the effect of the de-
cree upon the Gentile Christians?
Acts 15:31.
Nora.—"The broad and far-reaching de-
cisions of the general council brought con-
fidence into the ranks of the Gentile
believers, and the cause of God prospered."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 197.
Lesson 4, for January 27, 1968
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts 15:36 to
16:40.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:30, 31.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 201-220; "Early Writings," pages
203-205; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To
see how the gospel triumphs in spite of dissension,
ridicule, and even the imprisonment of its ministers.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions
4-9.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 10, 11.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-15.
❑
Thursday: Read from study helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Division Among the Missionaries
1.
Another missionary journey pro-
posed. Acts 15:36.
2.
Paul and Barnabas separate.
Acts 15:37-39 (first part).
3.
Two missionary parties formed.
Acts 15:39-41.
f
II. A Journey Into New Regions
4.
An addition to Paul's party.
Acts 16:1-3.
5.
Ministry to the churches.
Acts 15:41 (last part) ; 16:4, 5.
6.
Asia and Bithynia closed to Paul:
Acts 16:6, 7.
7.
Same territory open to Peter.
1 Peter 1:1.
8.
Another addition to Paul's party.
Acts 16:8, 10.
9.
The Macedonian call. Acts 16:9-11.
III. The Gospel to Philippi
10.
A Sabbath at Philippi.
Acts 16:12-15.
11.
Interference with the gospel.
Acts 16:16-18.
IV. In Prison and Out
12.
Accusations against the mission-
aries. Acts 16:19-24.
13.
Divine intervention. Acts 16:
25-28.
14.
The jailer and his household.
Acts 16:29-34.
15.
The release of the missionaries.
Acts 16:35-40.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Paul did not meet opposi-
tion in retracing his steps over the ground
of the first journey. But the restraint of
the Holy Spirit, keeping him from enter-
ing the provinces of Asia and Bithynia,
brought some perplexity. The Macedonian
call, however, offered new fields in Europe.
Imprisonment, scourging, and an earth-
quake gave the setting for the founding
of a new church in Philippi. This was the
first church to be established in Europe,
except for places like Rome, where the
church was evidently started by converted
Jews returning from the Pentecostal ex-
perience in Jerusalem. Acts 2:10.
Places:
Antioch in Syria; Cyprus; Ci-
licia ; Lystra; Iconium; Troas; Neapolis ;
Philippi.
Persons:
Paul; Silas; Barnabas; John
Mark; Judas Barsabas; Timothy, and Eu-
nice his mother (2 Tim. 1:5) ; Luke, the
Gentile, and Paul's "beloved physician"
(Col. 4:14), and author of the book of
Acts, personally present in the story
wherever the pronoun "we" is used; Lydia
of Thyatira; a girl with an evil spirit;
her exploiters; a jailer; the prison guards;
the city police; the magistrates.
Interesting Terms:
"Marketplace." The
forum, or town square, where the magis-
trates sat to hear the people's pleas.
"Stocks." An instrument for locking the
hands and feet of prisoners into recesses
between heavy beams.
"Sergeants." The "rod bearers" or lictors,
to be seen in every Roman town and
colony. They were chief police officers.
Division Among the Missionaries
1. What suggestion was made by
Paul to Barnabas in Antioch? Acts
15:36.
2.
What caused a sharp "conten-
tion" to arise between them? Acts
15:37-39 (first part).
3.
How were the missionary forces
divided, and in what directions did
the gospel teams go? Acts 15:39-41.
A Journey Into New Regions
4.
Who joined Paul at Lystra?
What rite was administered and why?
Acts 16:1-3.
NoTE.—Timothy's mixed parentage led
Paul to take the step indicated in Acts
16:3. To the Jews, Timothy was a Gentile;
to the Gentiles he was regarded as prac-
tically
a
Jew because he had been brought
up in his mother's religion. Paul care-
fully regularized Timothy's standing, and
thus avoided prejudice and hindrance to
God's work.
Timothy became a very successful min-
ister. He was with Paul throughout the
second missionary journey, and also at
Rome during Paul's first imprisonment
there, when Paul wrote the epistles to the
Philippians and Colossians. Phil. 1:1; Col.
1:1. Timothy was overseer of the impor-
tant church of Ephesus when Paul ad-
dressed to him from Rome, during his sec-
ond imprisonment, the First and Second
Epistles to Timothy. Paul refers to an
arrest and release of Timothy in Hebrews
13:23.
113
1
5.
How did Paul and his associates
minister to the churches? Acts 15:41
(last part); 16:4, 5.
6.
Into what regions was Paul for-
bidden to enter, and by whom? Acts
16:6, 7.
7.
Who preached in these very re-
gions closed to Paul? 1 Peter 1:1.
Compare Rom. 15:20.
NOTE.—It is possible that when Paul
was on the borders of Asia and Bithynia,
Peter was approaching or entering the
same regions. Paul was doing pioneer work,
not laboring where others were assigned.
Certainly the Holy Spirit, for His own
good reasons, wished Paul to move on
promptly to Macedonia.
8.
Who joined the missionary com-
pany at Troas? Acts 16:8, 10.
NoTE.—Troas was a busy seaport on the
Aegean Sea near the ancient Troy of Ho-
mer's epic poems. It was from here that
Paul launched his bold, Spirit-led attack
upon the heathenism of the Europe of
his day.
Luke became
a
fourth member in the
party, joining Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
"That new companion, 'Luke the beloved
physician,' who, whether by prearrange-
ment or by a providential meeting, . . .
now joined the mission, of which he af-
terward wrote the history."—W. J. Cony-
beare and J. S. Howson,
The Life and
Epistles of St. Paul,
Vol. 1, p. 284. From
here on, wherever the pronoun "we" is
used, the reader of Luke's record may
know that the author of Acts is with Paul.
9.
What striking challenge now
came to Paul, and how did he act
upon it? Acts 16:9-11.
The Gospel to Philippi
10.
In what city of Europe did
Paul first preach? How did he ob-
serve Sabbath there? Acts 16:12-15.
NoTE.—"Whatever the relative propor-
tion of Greeks and Romans at Philippi
may have been, the number of Jews was
small. This is sufficiently accounted for
when we remember that it was a military
and not a mercantile city. There was no
synagogue in Philippi, but only one of
those buildings called
proseuchae
[places
of prayer], which were distinguished from
the regular places of [Jewish] worship by
being of a more slight and temporary
structure and frequently open to the sky.
For the sake of greater quietness and free-
dom from interruption this place of prayer
was 'outside the gate.' "—W. J. Conybeare
and J. S. Howson,
The Life and Epistles of
St. Paul,
Vol. 1, pp. 294, 295.
11.
What annoyance arose that be-
came the occasion for a manifestation
of the power of the gospel? Acts 16:
16-18.
In Prison and Out
12.
What accusations were made
against the apostles, and with what
result? Acts 16:19-24.
13.
How did the apostles react to
their troubles? How did God inter-
vene? Acts 16:25-28.
14.
What blessed certainty did the
apostles bring to the terrified jailer,
and what then took place? Acts 16:
29-34.
E14]
Norc.—The glorious fact of salvation by
grace through faith is nowhere in Scripture
more clearly and simply stated than in this
story of the conversion of the Philippian
jailer. The certainty of salvation as a gift
of God, unearned by man's own works,
can come to every believer as it came
to Paul himself. 1 Tim. 1:12.
"If you see your sinfulness, do not wait
to make yourself better. How many there
are who think they are not good enough
to come to Christ. Do you expect to be-
come better through your own efforts?
`Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the
leopard his spots? then may ye also do
good, that are accustomed to do evil.' . .
There is help for us only in God. We must
not wait for stronger persuasions, for bet-
ter opportunities, or for holier tempers. We
can do nothing of ourselves. We must come
to Christ just as we
are."—Steps to Christ,
page 31.
15. Under what striking circum-
stances were the apostles released
from prison? Acts 16:35-40.
NOTE.—"The apostles were Roman citi-
zens, and it was unlawful to scourge a
Roman, save for the most flagrant crime,
or to deprive him of his liberty without
a fair trial. Paul and Silas had been pub-
licly imprisoned, and they now refused to
be privately released without the proper
explanation on the part of the magis-
trates."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page
217.
Lesson 5, for February 3, 1968
The Gospel in Macedonia and Greece
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts
17.
MEMORY VERSE:
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they
received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures
daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 221-242, 255-268; "S.D.A. Bible
Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To observe how the gospel is presented successfully in
the Spirit, to men and women of influence and learning
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-6.
❑
Monday: Questions 7, 8.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-11.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12-15.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Check Here
[i]
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Paul at Thessalonica
1.
Three Sabbaths in the synagogue.
Acts 17:1, 2.
2.
Weekday labors. 2 Thess. 3:8.
II. The Gospel to the Thessalonians
3.
Some Jews and influential Greeks
believe. Acts 17:4.
4.
Jewish opposition brings persecu-
tion. Acts 17:5-7.
5.
The kingship of Jesus. Acts 17:7-9.
6.
The second advent taught in
Thessalonica. 1 Thess. 4:13-18.
I 15 1
Ill. The Work in Berea
7.
The more noble Jews.
Acts 17:10-12.
8.
Opposition from Thessalonica.
Acts 17:13-15.
IV. Revelation Versus Philosophy
at Athens
9.
Paul's distress of spirit.
Acts 17:16-18 (first part).
10.
Questioned by the Athenians.
Acts 17:18-21.
11.
The true God identified.
Acts 17:23-25, 28 (first part).
V. Man's Need of God
12.
The oneness of the human race.
Acts 17:26, 28 (last part).
13.
The basic falsity of heathenism.
Acts 17:29.
14.
God's appeal to men. Acts 17:
27, 30, 31.
15.
The results in Athens. Acts 17:34.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
The impact of the gospel
at the hands of Paul and his helpers upon
the culture, the philosophy, and the cool
indifference and cynicism of old pagan
Europe must always be of deep interest.
Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to go into
Macedonia. The group were well equipped
for the task: (1) They were Spirit-filled
and Spirit-empowered men; (2) they were
all either Roman citizens or by blood
Gentile or part Gentile; (3) they were
equipped by language to meet the people;
(4) they represented an aggregate of years
of experience in the gospel, with Luke and
Timothy full of fresh enthusiasm. On this
journey Paul began to write his epistles,
sending out First and Second Thessalonians
from Athens, about A.D. 52.
Places:
Amphipolis and Apollonia,
through which Paul passed without stop-
ping; Thessalonica, important Macedonian
city on the north coast of the Aegean
Sea, now the busy city of Salonika; Berea;
Athens, the ancient cultural capital of
Western civilization and thought, and now
the political capital of the modern kingdom
of Greece.
Persons:
Paul and Silas, missionaries and
Roman citizens; Timothy, half Jew and
half Greek, and zealous worker; Jason, a
Jewish convert, who stood security for
Paul; Paul's escort to Athens; city offi-
cials; believing Jews; opposing Jews;
Athenian philosophers; the Athenian con-
verts, Dionysius, a member of the high
court of Athens, and a woman, Damaris.
Luke remains at Philippi, and Silas and
Timothy at Berea, while Paul is at Athens.
Interesting Terms:
"Lewd fellows." Lit-
erally, "loungers in the marketplace."
"Rulers." Literally, "city officials," but
the original is in a form used only in Thes-
salonica, illustrating Luke's remarkable ac-
curacy as a historian.
"Security." Jason and others were re-
quired to post bond for Paul and his
companions, to guarantee that they would
keep the peace, the charges against them
being very serious.
"Epicureans"- and "Stoics." These repre-
sented schools of philosophy. See note to
question 10.
"Areopagus." Ares was the Greek god of
war, corresponding to the Roman Mars.
.
Hence the term appears also as Mars' Hill.
Acts 17:19, 22. It describes a rocky hill
directly adjoining the Acropolis or citadel
of Athens, upon which met the highest
court of the Athenian government.
Paul at Thessalonica
1.
What custom did Paul follow
at
Thessalonica? Acts 17:1, 2.
2.
How did Paul spend many of
the weekdays? 2 Thess. 3:8.
NOTE.—Paul sometimes labored with his
hands to pay expenses in several cities
where he preached: here at Thessalonica,
at Corinth (Acts 18:1-3), and at Ephesus
(Acts 20:33, 34).
1
16 ]
The Gospel to the Thessalonians
3. What classes of persons believed?
Acts 17:4.
(1)
The certainty of the second coming;
(2)
Salvation through Christ to prepare
for the advent;
(3)
Orderly and industrious Christian
living on the part of those looking for their
Lord.
The Work in Berea
4.
What charge did unbelieving
Jews bring against the believers? Acts
17:5-7.
5.
Why was the charge concerning
Christian belief in the kingship of
Jesus so serious? Acts 17:7-9. Compare
John 18:36, 37 and Rev. 19:11, 15, 16.
NoTE.—The early Christians were fre-
quently in trouble, as some modern Chris-
tians have been, because they preached
Christ as the coming universal King. The
Roman emperors were rulers of the Western
world, and it was traitorous to talk of
another king who might rival their power.
The Jewish leaders at Christ's trial had
blasphemously declared, in their pretended
political loyalty, that they had no king but
Caesar. John 19:12, 15.
"The charge brought against Paul was
subtly conceived and most dangerous. The
very suggestion of treason against the
emperors often proved fatal to the accused;
and it compelled the politarchs to take
steps, for, if they failed to do so, they be-
came exposed to a charge of treason, as
having taken too little care for the honor
of the emperor. Many a man was ruined
by such a charge under the earlier emper-
ors."—W. M. Ramsey,
St. Paul the Travel-
ler and the Roman Citizen,
pages 229, 230.
6.
What vital theme was empha-
sized in proclaiming the gospel at
Thessalonica? 1 Thess. 4:13-18. Com-
pare 2 Thess. 2:1-12.
NoTE.—The general theme running
through the Thessalonian letters is that of
the second advent of Christ. Paul empha-
sized:
7.
What attitude toward the Scrip-
tures distinguished the Jews in Berea?
What is said of those who accepted
the gospel there? Acts 17:10-12.
8.
Why did Paul leave Berea? Acts
17:13-15.
NOTE.—As the Jews of Pisidian Antioch
and Iconium had followed the apostles to
stir up trouble at Lystra on an earlier
missionary tour, so now the Jews of Thes-
salonica sent a deputation to Berea to
repeat a hostile course of action that had
been somewhat effective in Thessalonica.
Revelation Versus Philosophy
at Athens
9.
What stirred Paul's spirit at
Athens? To whom did he address
himself? Acts 17:16-18 (first part).
NOTE.—"As
Paul looked upon the beauty
and grandeur surrounding him, and
saw
the city wholly given to idolatry, his spirit
was stirred with jealousy for God, whom
he saw dishonored on every side, and his
heart was drawn out in pity for the people
of Athens, who, notwithstanding their in-
tellectual culture, were ignorant of the true
God."—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 234.
10.
How was the thinking of the
Athenians indicated? Acts 17:18-21.
NoTE.—The Epicureans believed in the
"good life" as a pursuit of pleasure and
personal happiness, often leading to self-
indulgence and fleshly gratification. The
17
Stoics believed in the "good life" to be
achieved through doing one's duty. Some
efficient Roman emperors of the second
century were Stoics. Like many others,
these philosophers were always looking for
"some new thing," but never finding sat-
isfaction.
11.
How did Paul identify the true
God to the philosophers? Acts 17:23-
25, 2q (first part).
Man's Need of God
12.
How did the apostle express
the close kinship of all men and their
relationship to God? Acts 17:26, 28
(last part).
NOTE.-" 'The method of St. Paul's
teaching is one from which modern preach-
ers might well learn a lesson. He does not
begin by telling men that they have
thought too highly of themselves, that they
are vile worms, creatures of the dust, chil-
dren of the devil. The fault which he finds
in them is that they have taken too low an
estimate of their position. They too had
forgotten that they were God's offspring,
and had counted themselves, even as the
unbelieving Jews had done (ch. xiii. 46),
"unworthy of eternal life." ' The truth set
before us in the text is that of the fatherly
relation of God to all men, and the an-
swering child-relation of all men to God."
—The Pulpit Commentary,
"The Acts of
the Apostles," Vol. 2, p. 86.
13.
What did Paul point out as the
basic falsity of heathenism? Acts 17:
29. Compare Isa. 44:6-20.
NOTE
—"The second commandment for-
bids the worship of the true God by images
or similitudes. Many heathen nations
claimed that their images were mere figures
or symbols by which the Deity was wor-
shiped, but God has declared such worship
to be sin. The attempt to represent the
Eternal One by material objects would
lower man's conception of God. The mind,
turned away from the infinite perfection
of Jehovah, would be attracted to the crea-
ture rather than to the Creator. And as
his conceptions of God were lowered, so
would man become degraded."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 306.
14.
What appeal does God make
to all men? What impending event
makes this divine invitation urgent?
Acts 17:27, 30, 31.
15.
What were the direct results of
Paul's preaching in Athens? Acts 17:
34. Compare 1 Cor. 1:20-30.
NoTE.—"The labors of Paul in Athens
were not wholly in vain. Dionysius, one of
the most prominent citizens, and some
others, became converts to Christianity,
and joined themselves to him. The words
of the apostle, and the description of his
attitude and surroundings, as traced by the
pen of inspiration, were to be handed down
through all coming generations, bearing
witness of his unshaken confidence, his
courage in loneliness and adversity, and the
victory he gained for Christianity, even in
the very heart of paganism. . . .
"The words of Paul become a memorial
of the occasion, and give a treasure of
knowledge to the church. He was in a
position where he might easily have spoken
that which would irritate his proud listen-
ers, and bring himself into difficulty. Had
his oration been a direct attack upon their
gods, and the great men of the city who
were before him, he would have been in
danger of meeting the fate of Socrates. But
he carefully drew their minds away from
heathen deities, by revealing to them the
true God, whom they were endeavoring
to worship, but who was to them unknown,
as they themselves confessed by a public
inscription."—E. G. White,
Sketches From
the Life of Paul,
pages 96, 97.
"Where there is no active la-
bor for others, love wanes,
and faith grows dim."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 825.
18
Lesson 6, for February 10, 1968
The Gospel in Corinth; Beginnings in Ephesus
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts 18:1 to 19:7.
MEMORY VERSE:
"For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus
Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Cor. 2:2.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 243-254, 269-285; "S.D.A. Bible
Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To observe the results of Paul's wisdom, courage, and
industry in giving the gospel under adverse conditions and in the face of
severe opposition, and to show that similar results always follow when God's
people are filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 10-14.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1, 2.
❑
Thursday: Read from study helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 3-5.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 6-9.
❑
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Paul's Labors at Corinth
1.
With fellow workers at Corinth.
Acts 18:1-3.
2.
A tentmaker and preacher.
Preaching and teaching. Acts
18:4, 11.
II. Opposition and Assurance
3.
Expelled from the synagogue.
Acts 18:5-7.
4.
Success in the gospel. Acts 18:8.
5.
A vision of the Lord. Acts 18:9, 10.
6. Brought before the governor.
Acts 18:12, 13.
7. A wise decision. Acts 18:14-17.
III. The Close of the Second Journey
8. Paul's vow. Acts 18:18, 21.
9. The journey to Jerusalem.
Acts 18:19-22.
IV. The Third Journey Begun
10. In
Galatia and Phrygia. Acts 18:23.
11. Apollos at Ephesus. Acts 18:24-26.
12. Apollos at Corinth. Acts 18:27, 28.
13. Twelve men instructed. Acts
19:1-3, 7.
14. A rebaptismal service. Acts 19:4-7.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
The city of Corinth had
recovered fully from its destruction by the
Romans in 142 B.c., and was now a busy
and wealthy seaport. Its sinfulness was
commonly known as "Corinthianism." Dur-
ing Paul's eighteen months of ministry
there he worked at his trade of tentmaking,
and preached on the Sabbaths. A vision of
God encouraged him to continue, even in
the face of bitter opposition. Here Paul
wrote his Epistle to the Romans. At the
conclusion of his work he went to Cen-
chrea, to embark for Ephesus. He visited
Jerusalem and returned to Antioch, from
which place he set out on his third mis-
sionary journey, spending a long time at
Ephesus.
Places:
Corinth, the important commer-
cial city of southern Greece; Cenchrea on
the eastern side of the Corinthian penin-
19 ]
sula; Ephesus; Caesarea; Antioch in Syria;
Jerusalem; Galatia and Phrygia.
Persons:
Paul; Aquila and Priscilla,
Jewish tentmakers from Rome with whom
Paul lived; Silas and Timothy arriving
from Berea; Justin, a proselyte converted
to Christianity, in whose house the in-
fant church worshiped; Crispus, a president
of the Jewish synagogue, a convert and
one of the few men Paul baptized (1 Cor.
1:14) ; Gallio, the proconsul, a brother of
Seneca, a Roman philosopher and minister
of the emperor Nero; opposing Jews; one
Sosthenes, a president of the Jewish syna-
gogue; believers; Apollos of Alexandria, a
disciple of John the Baptist; twelve men,
also disciples of John the Baptist.
Interesting Terms:
"Tentmakers." Aquila,
Priscilla, and Paul were either tentmakers,
or weavers of the cloth from which tents
and sails were made. This cloth was of
goat's hair, black in color, very tough and
sturdy, and was named, after Paul's home
province,
cilicium.
"Vow." The vow Paul made at Cen-
chrea was probably the temporary vow
of the Nazirite (Num. 6:1-21), perhaps in
gratitude for God's deliverance from re-
peated dangers.
Paul's Labors at Corinth
1.
Whom did Paul closely associate
with himself at Corinth? What basis
did this fellowship have? Acts 18:1-3.
NOTE.—Paul arrived at Corinth in the
autumn of A.D. 52 and found Aquila and
Priscilla very recently arrived there, they
having been expelled from Rome with
other Jews by the emperor Claudius in the
spring of that year. They went with Paul
to Ephesus when he left Corinth (Acts 18:
18, 19), and remained there. Later they are
mentioned as being in Rome again. Rom.
16:3.
2.
How did Paul occupy the Sab-
bath? How long did he labor in Cor-
inth? Acts 18:4, 11.
NOTE.—"He [Paul] brought his hearers
down through the types and shadows of
the ceremonial law to Christ,—to His
crucifixion, His priesthood, and the sanc-
tuary of His ministry,—the great object
that had cast its shadow backward into
the Jewish age. He, as the Messiah, was the
Antitype of all the sacrificial offerings. The
apostle showed that according to the proph-
ecies and the universal expectation of the
Jews, the Messiah would be of the lineage
of Abraham and David. He then traced
His descent from the great patriarch Abra-
ham, through the royal psalmist. He
proved from Scripture what were to have
been the character and works of the
promised Messiah, and also His reception
and treatment on earth, as testified by the
holy prophets. He then showed that these
predictions also had been fulfilled in the
life, ministry, and death of Jesus, and
hence that He was indeed the world's
Redeemer."—E. G. White,
Sketches From
the Life of Paul,
pages 103, 104.
Opposition and Assurance
3.
Why was Paul prevented from
preaching in the synagogue? Acts 18:
5-7.
4.
Who are mentioned as having
accepted the gospel? Acts 18:8.
5.
How did assurance of divine
help come to Paul, and what was
promised? Acts 18:9, 10.
NOTE.—God had repeated communica-
tions with Paul. (1) At his conversion
near Damascus, Acts 9:3-7; 22:6-11; 26:
13-19;
(2)
in Arabia, Gal. 1:17;
The Acts
of the Apostles,
pages 125, 126; (3) in the
temple in Jerusalem, Acts
22:17-21;
(4) at
Corinth, Acts 18:9, 10; (5) in a vision of
Paradise, 2 Cor. 12:1-5; (6) in the tower
of Antonias in Jerusalem, Acts 23:11. There
was also at least one angel visitation dur-
ing Paul's first sea voyage to Rome. Acts
27:23,
24.
[ 20 ]
6.
What charges against Paul were
brought before the governor? Acts
18:12, 13.
7.
How did Gallio handle the case,
and with what result? Acts 18:14-17.
NOTE.—"The proconsul, disgusted with
the bigotry and self-righteousness of the
accusing Jews, refused to take notice of
the charge. As Paul prepared to speak in
self-defense, Gallio informed him that it
was not necessary."—Sketches
From the
Life of Paul,
page 107.
The Close of the Second Journey
8.
What commitment did Paul
make in Cenchrea? Acts 18:18, 21.
9.
What places did Paul visit on
his way to Jerusalem? Acts 18:19-22.
NOTE.—The expression "gone up" in
verse 22 refers to the ascent from Caesarea
to Jerusalem.
The Third Journey Begun
10.
At the beginning of Paul's
third missionary tour where did he
first go? Acts 18:23.
NoTE.—At the beginning of his second
(Acts 16:1) and third (Acts 18:23) mis-
sionary journeys, Paul retraced part of
his first journey (Acts 14:1, 6, 21), but
each time he went farther into new ter-
ritory.
11.
In the meantime what able man
had appeared at Ephesus? Who had
brought to him a full knowledge of
the gospel? Acts 18:24-26.
NoTE.—Nothing is known of Apollos ex-
cept the notation concerning him here,
and the references in 1 Corinthians 3:4-6
and 4:6, 7. He was evidently a successful
worker for Christ. There is no reason to
suppose there was any personal friction
between Paul and Apollos.
12.
What is said of the ministry of
Apollos in Corinth? Acts 18:27, 28.
13.
What did Paul learn concern-
ing the religious life of certain dis-
ciples at Ephesus? Acts 19:1-3, 7.
14.
Into what blessed experience
did Paul lead them? Acts 19:4-7.
NoTa.—"When they received baptism at
the hand of John they did not fully com-
prehend the mission of Jesus as the Sin
Bearer. They were holding serious errors.
But with clearer light, they gladly accepted
Christ as their Redeemer, and with this
step of advance came a change in their
obligations. As they received a purer faith,
there was a corresponding change in their
life. In token of this change, and as an
acknowledgment of their faith in Christ,
they were rebaptized in the name of Jesus."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 285.
"Many whom God has quali-
fied to do excellent work ac-
complish very little, because
they attempt little. Thou-
sands pass through life as if
they had no definite object
for which to live, no stand-
ard to reach. Such will ob-
tain a reward proportionate
to their
works."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 331.
1
21]
Lesson 7, for February 17
,
1968
Paul's Three Years at Ephesus
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts 19:8
to 20:5.
MEMORY VERSE:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of your-
selves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph.
2:8,
9.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 285-297, 359-371; "S.D.A. Bible
Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show the triumph of the gospel over the rulers of
the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Thursday: Read from study helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-7.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
❑
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
"One of the two character-
istics of the people of Ephesus comes prom-
inently into view. This city was renowned
throughout the world for the worship of
Diana and the practice of magic. . . . The
enemy which Paul had to oppose was not
a vaunting philosophy, as at Corinth, but
a dark . . . superstition. The worship of
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. From Synagogue to Public Hall
1.
A
long sojourn. Acts 19:8, 10, 22.
2.
Preaching the way of the kingdom.
Acts 19:8, 9.
3.
The province of Asia evangelized.
Acts 19:10.
4.
Paul earned his expenses. Acts
20:34.
II. Victory Over Magicians and
Sorcerers
5.
Miracles of healing. Acts 19:11, 12.
6.
Blasphemous demonstrations over-
come. Acts 19:13-17 (first part).
7.
Evildoers conquered. Acts
19:17, 18.
8.
The burning of the books.
Acts 19:19, 20.
9.
Paul's plans for further journey-
ings. Acts 19:21, 22.
10.
The declining worship of Diana.
Acts 19:26, 27.
III. The Riot in Ephesus
11.
The protest of the silversmiths.
Acts 19:23-25, 28.
12.
The outbreak in the theater.
Acts 19:29-34.
13.
The city recorder addresses the
people. Acts 19:35-41.
14.
Paul's departure for further work.
Acts 20:1-5.
THE LESSON
Diana and the practice of magic were
closely connected together. . . .
"We are not to suppose that the apos-
tles were always able to work miracles at
will. An influx of supernatural power was
given to them at the time and according
to the circumstances that required it. And
the character of the miracles was not al-
ways the same. They were accommodated
to the peculiar forms of sin, superstition,
[22]
and ignorance they were required to op-
pose."—W. J. Conybeare and J. S. How-
son,
The Life and Epistles of St. Paul,
Vol.
2, pp. 21, 22.
Places:
Ephesus; Macedonia; Greece;
Troas.
Persons:
Paul, Timothy, and Erastus;
Gaius and Aristarchus; Sopater of Berea;
Secundus of Thessalonica; Trophimus;
Luke; repentant workers of magic; chief
men of Asia; the city recorder in Ephesus;
Alexander, a Jew; Jewish exorcists; sons
of Sceva; Demetrius, a silversmith.
Interesting Terms: "Exorcists."
Men
who claim to have power over evil spirits.
"Curious arts." The practice of men who
claimed to use magic and incantations.
"Diana." The goddess Artemis (Roman
name, Diana) was usually pictured as a
graceful goddess. "The image may have
been intended to represent Diana in one
of her customary characters as the deity
of fountains, but it reminds us rather . . .
of the religions which love to represent the
life of all animated beings as fed and sup-
ported by the many breasts of Nature.
The figure which assumed this emblematic
form above was terminated below in a
shapeless block. The material was wood.
A bar of metal was in each hand. The dress
was covered with mystic devices, and the
small shrine where it stood within the
temple was concealed by a curtain in
front. Yet, rude as the image was, it was
the object of the utmost veneration."—
W. J. Conybeare and J. S. Howson,
The
Life and Epistles of St. Paul,
Vol. 2, p. 77.
"Town clerk." The secretary or recorder
in the city of Ephesus.
From Synagogue to Public Hall
1. On this tour how long was Paul
in Ephesus? Acts 19:8, 10, 22.
NOTE.—There are various periods of time
indicated for Paul's stay at Ephesus: (1)
the time spent with the twelve men when
Paul first came, Acts 19:1-5; (2) three
months in the synagogue, Acts 19:8; (3)
two years in the school of Tyrannus, Acts
19:10; (4) a "season" in Asia, Acts 19:22;
(5) the time consumed in the trouble with
the silversmiths, Acts 19:23-41. The total
could not have been less than three years.
2.
What great truths did Paul em-
phasize in his preaching, and what
opposition arose? Acts 19:8, 9.
NorE.—The kingdom of God is men-
tioned as Paul's theme, along with the
"Way" to the kingdom. This is a reminder
of the Jews' challenge to Paul for his
teaching that Christ is King, Acts 17:6-8,
in Thessalonica, where Paul stressed the
second coming of Christ.
3.
How extensively was the gospel
proclaimed in Asia? Acts 19:10.
NOTE.—Ephesus was the capital city of
the Roman province of Asia, which oc-
cupied an important and prosperous area
in the western third of what is now
Turkey. The gospel was preached not only
in Ephesus, but throughout its large and
prosperous province.
4.
In his ministry at Ephesus, how
was Paul supported? Acts 20:34.
Victory Over Magicians and
Sorcerers
5.
What miracles were wrought at
Paul's hands in Ephesus? Acts 19:
11, 12.
NoTE.—The Revised Standard Version
renders these verses in this way: "And
God did extraordinary miracles by the
hands of Paul, so that handerkerchiefs or
aprons were carried away from his body
to the sick, and diseases left them and the
evil spirits came out of them."
On these mighty works of divine power
compare Mark 5:27; 6:56; Acts 5:15.
6.
What blasphemous use was made
of Jesus' name, and with what results?
Acts 19:13-17 (first part).
1231
NOTE.—"Thus unmistakable proof was
given of the sacredness of the name of
Christ, and the peril which they incurred
who should invoke it without faith in the
divinity of the Saviour's mission. 'Fear
fell on them all, and the name of the Lord
Jesus was magnified.'
"—The Acts of the
Apostles,
page 288.
7.
What spiritual results were at-
tained in Ephesus? Acts 19:17, 18.
NoTE.—Confession is a vitally important
step in the remission of sins. "True con-
fession is always of a specific character,
and acknowledges particular
sins."—Steps
to Christ,
page 38. See chapter, "Confes-
sion." See 1 John 1:9.
8.
What did the new believers do
with their books? Acts 19:19, 20.
NoTE.—"Facts which had previously
been concealed were now brought to light.
In accepting Christianity, some of the
brethren had not fully renounced their
heathen superstitions. The practice of
magic was still to some extent continued
among them. Convinced of their error by
the events which had recently occurred,
they came and made a full confession to
Paul, and publicly acknowledged their se-
cret arts to be deceptive and satanic. Many
sorcerers also abjured the practice of magic,
and received Christ as their Saviour. They
brought together the costly books con-
taining the mysterious 'Ephesian letters,'
and the secrets of their art, and burned
them in the presence of all the people.
When the books had been consumed, they
proceeded to reckon up the value of the
sacrifice. It was estimated at fifty thousand
pieces of silver, equal to about ten thou-
sand dollars."—E. G. White,
Sketches From
the Life of Paul,
page 137. The purchasing
value in today's terms might well be much
higher.
9.
What plans did Paul form con-
cerning his future itinerary? Acts 19:
21, 22. Compare Rom. 15:24, 28; Acts
23:11; 27:24.
10.
How was the preaching of the
gospel affecting pagan worship? Acts
19:26, 27.
The Riot in Ephesus
11.
What protest was lodged by
certain craftsmen of Ephesus, and
why? Acts 19:23-25, 28.
NOTE.—As at Philippi, when the gospel
was applied to receptive hearts with re-
sulting changes in life, business losses ac-
tivated serious opposition.
12.
What resulted from the speeches
of the silversmiths? Acts 19:29-34.
13.
What steps were taken to quell
the tumult? Acts 19:35-41.
14.
In what manner did Paul bid
farewell to the believers before setting
off on another circuitous journey?
Acts 20:1-5.
NOTE.—"Paul's labors in Ephesus were
concluded. His ministry there had been a
season of incessant labor, of many trials,
and of deep anguish. He had taught the
people in public and from house to house,
with many tears instructing and warning
them. Continually he had been opposed by
the Jews, who lost no opportunity to stir
up the popular feeling against him.
"And while thus battling against op-
position, pushing forward with untiring
zeal the gospel work, and guarding the
interests of a church yet young in the faith,
Paul was bearing upon his soul a heavy
burden for all the churches."—The
Acts of
the Apostles,
page 296.
1 24 ]
Lesson 8, for February 24, 1968
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts 20:6 to 21:16.
MEMORY VERSE:
"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word
of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance
among all them which are sanctified." Acts 20:32.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 389-398; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
This lesson is intended to show Paul's earnestness in
preaching the gospel, and the responsibility resting upon church officers,
particularly in the face of apostasy.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1, 2.
❑
Monday: Questions 3-5.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 6-9.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
❑
Thursday: Read from study helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. The Meeting at Troas
1.
Paul's departure from Europe.
Acts 20:6.
2.
A Saturday night assembly.
Acts 20:7, 8, 11.
II. A Journey Resumed
3.
A young man restored.
Acts 20:9-12.
4.
Paul's departure by land.
Acts 20:11, 13.
5.
Arrival at Miletus. Acts 20:14,
15.
III. With the Ephesian Elders
6. Paul's reason for haste. Acts 20:16.
7.
The gathering of the elders.
Acts 20:17.
8.
Paul's hardships at Ephesus.
Acts 20:18, 19; 1 Cor. 15:32.
9.
Paul's methods in the gospel.
Acts 20:20, 21, 25.
IV. Farewell Admonitions
10.
Afflictions awaiting Paul.
Acts 20:22-24; 21:10-14.
11.
Warnings to the church.
Acts 20:28-31.
12.
Paul's farewell testimony.
Acts 20:32, 35.
13.
From Ephesus to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:7-9.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Paul left Philippi after
observing the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
At Troas he spent seven days and on the
last day of his stay had an informal fare-
well meeting. It was evidently Saturday
night, the dark part of "the first day of
the week." Next day Paul went on foot
to Assos, where he joined his companions
in a ship. At Miletus Paul had a farewell
meeting with the elders of Ephesus, warn-
ing them of threatening dangers, and then
proceeding to Caesarea, where he was
warned of dangers threatening him.
Places:
Philippi in Macedonia, Europe;
[25]
Troas in Asia (modern Turkey) ; Assos;
Miletus; the Aegean Islands; Tyre; Ptole-
mais; Caesarea.
Persons:
Paul; Sopater ; Aristarchus;
Secundus; Gaius; Timothy; Tychicus;
Trophimus; Luke; the believers met en
route; Eutychus; the elders of Ephesus;
Philip the deacon-evangelist; Agabus the
prophet.
Interesting Terms:
"The days of un-
leavened bread." This was the first of the
annual festivals of the Hebrew religious
year. It lasted from the fifteenth day to
the twenty-first day of the first month,
called Abib or Nisan. The first and last
days of the feast were sabbath days, cele-
brated annually, regardless of the day of
the week upon which they might fall in the
rotation of the calendar. The Passover
lamb was slain on the fourteenth, just be-
fore sunset, and eaten the night which im-
mediately followed, which was the dark
part of the fifteenth. The typical signifi-
cance of the annual Hebrew feasts ceased
in succession as the plan of salvation un-
folded in history. The necessity of celebrat-
ing the feasts ceased at the cross. Col. 2:
14-16. Paul kept the Feast of Unleavened
Bread with the beloved Philippian be-
lievers. See
The Acts of the Apostles,
page
390.
"To break bread." In connection with
the meeting at Troas, this term was applied
to the celebration of the Lord's Supper.
See
Ibid.,
p. 391.
"Elders," or "presbyters." In New Testa-
ment times, these were the same officers as
the bishops or overseers. See Acts 20:17,
28; Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:5-7. They were the
leading elected officers in the New Testa-
ment congregations, corresponding to the
presidents in the Jewish synagogues.
"Carriages." An old English expression
for "baggage."
The Meeting at Troas
1.
At what season did Paul leave
Philippi? How long did he remain at
Troas? Acts 20:6.
2.
On which day, and at what time,
did Paul hold his farewell service and
breaking of bread? Acts 20:7, 8, 11.
Nom—Paul preached until midnight at
this informal farewell service, and after mid-
night had the breaking of bread. He then
preached until his departure at dawn.
Verses 7, 11. Responsible Bible students
who observe Sunday recognize that this
informal meeting began when the lights
were on, hence, from the evidence, Satur-
day night.
"On the Sunday morning the vessel was
about to sail. The Christians of Troas
were gathered together at this solemn time
to celebrate that feast of love which the
last commandment of Christ has enjoined
on all His followers."—W. J. Conybeare
and J. S. Howson,
The Life and Epistles
of St. Paul,
Vol. 2, p. 206.
"The meeting was held on what we
should call Saturday evening; but we must
remember that the Jewish first day began
from sundown on Saturday or the Sab-
bath."—The
Expositor's Bible
(Eerdmans,
1947), Vol. 5, p. 494.
"Apparently they met on our Saturday
evening, so that the Communion loaf was
broken before daylight on our Sunday
morning."—Stifler,
The Acts of the Apos-
tles,
page 201.
The record of this incident gives no
authority for the observance of Sunday,
and no precedent for religious services to
be held week after week on Sundays.
A Journey Resumed
3.
During this all-night meeting,
what tragedy occurred? By what
means was the young man restored?
Acts 20:9-12.
NOTE.—"The youth was taken up dead,
and many gathered about him with cries
and mourning. But Paul, passing through
the affrighted company, clasped him in
his arms, and sent up an earnest prayer
that God would restore the dead to life.
The prayer was granted."—E. G. White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 197.
4.
When did Paul leave Troas? To
what place did he go? Acts 20:11, 13.
Nom—Paul walked the twenty miles to
Assos, a full day's journey on foot, using
for it the daylight hours of that first day
of the week, or Sunday.
5.
To what town did the ship,
which Paul boarded at Assos, bring
him and his companions? Acts 20:
14, 15.
With the Ephesian Elders
6.
Why did Paul not visit Ephesus
at this time? Acts 20:16.
7.
Who came to meet with Paul at
Miletus? Acts 20:17.
NoTE.—There is no record of how many
elders served in the Ephesian congregations.
There may have been upwards of a dozen.
They gladly traveled the necessary dis-
tance to hear Paul's farewell admonitions.
8.
What did Paul say regarding the
trials he endured during the sojourn
as a missionary at Ephesus? Acts 20:
18, 19; 1 Cor. 15:32.
NOTE.—The wild beasts were evidently
the maddened men who had planned to
take Paul's life in the theater at Ephesus.
9.
What effective methods had Paul
used in giving the gospel? Acts 20:20,
21, 25.
NoTE.—Paul, the tireless evangelist, un-
derstood the value of house-to-house labor.
While he conducted public meetings for
the crowds, he labored also in a personal
way for individuals, even as did his Lord.
As
a
faithful watchman he had warned all
he could reach, and was "pure from the
blood of all men." Acts 20:26. See Ezek.
33:3-6.
Farewell Admonitions
10.
What was Paul's attitude toward
the affliOtions which awaited him?
Acts 20:22-24; 21:10-14.
11.
What dangers threatened the
church, and what were the church
elders to do in view of them? Acts
20:28-31. Compare 2 Thess. 2:7-15;
1 Tim. 4:1-7; 2 Tim. 3:1-14;
4:3,
4.
NOTE
.—The dangers of which Paul
warned were already present in the church
and soon produced the evils of apostasy.
There followed the great apostasy of the
1260 years, so clearly described in Revela-
tion, chapters 17 and 18, and that parent
apostasy has produced many daughter
apostasies. In the face of these apostasies
there have been repeated attempts at re-
form, including the Great Reformation of
the sixteenth century. The movement
symbolized by the three angels of Revela-
tion, chapter 14, of which the Seventh-day
Adventist work is the organized expression,
is God's final endeavor to bring about an
effective revival and reformation before the
second advent of Christ. Those who know
from the Bible what this means in purity
of living and resolute evangelism in the face
of bitter opposition, dare not fail their
Lord.
12.
Into what spiritual experiences
were the elders of Ephesus to lead
their people? Acts 20:32, 35.
13.
As he proceeded to Jerusalem,
with whom did Paul enjoy blessed
fellowship? Acts 21:7-9.
"Shrinking from hardship,
complaining under tribula-
tion, makes the servants of
God weak and inefficient."
—Gospel Workers,
page 266.
[
27
]
Lesson 9, for March 2, 1968
Paul's Imprisonment
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts 21:17 to 23:35.
MEMORY VERSE:
"For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath
broken down the middle wall of partition between us." Eph. 2:14.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 399-418; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show how serious are mistakes among the best of
men, and how God can use even opposers of His truth and His cause.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions
11-13.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Thursday: Read from study helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-8.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10.
❑
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Interview With the Brethren
1.
Paul meets the brethren in Jeru-
salem. Acts 21:17, 18.
2.
The proposal to Paul.
Acts 21:19-25.
3.
Paul's procedure. Acts 21:26, 27
(first part).
II. The Riot
4.
Jerusalem in an uproar.
Acts 21:27 (last part), 28-31.
5.
The Romans intervene. Acts
21:32-36.
6.
Paul identifies himself. Acts 21:39.
7. Paul addresses the Jews. Acts
21:40 to 22:22.
8. A scourging averted. Acts 22:
23, 24.
III. Paul's Defense
9. Paul the Roman citizen.
Acts 22:25-29.
10. The doctrine of the resurrection.
Acts 22:30 to 23:11.
IV. Removal to Caesarea
11. The Jewish plot.
Acts 23:12-22.
12. Safety in a Caesarean prison.
Acts 23:23-33 (first part).
13. Interviews with Felix.
Acts 23:33 (last part), 34, 35.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
At
Jerusalem the church
leaders erred in persuading Paul to go
through a purification ceremony in the
temple. He was set upon by Jews from
Asia, and a riot resulted, from which Paul
was rescued by Roman soldiers. When his
life was threatened, the commander had
Paul removed to Caesarea, the Roman
capital of the province, where Felix was
governor.
Places:
Jerusalem; the temple and the
tower of Antonia adjoining it; Antipatris;
Caesarea and Roman government head-
quarters there.
Persons:
Paul; Luke; James, the brother
of the Lord; Jewish Christians with a
vow; Trophimus; the Jewish multitude;
[28
]
Lysias, the Roman commander of the gar-
rison, and his soldiers; Ananias, the Jew-
ish high priest; Sadducees and Pharisees;
Paul's nephew; Jewish plotters; Felix, the
Roman governor.
Interesting Terms:
"Chief captain of the
band." The original word means the com-
mander of a thousand men, the sixth part
of a legion, corresponding approximately
in rank to a major in a modern army.
"The castle." A stronghold adjoining the
temple, built by Herod the Great to keep
the restless Jews under guard, and named
in honor of Mark Antony.
"Murderers." The word in the original
means "dagger men," designating bands
of Jews who organized themselves into
groups pledged to assassination whenever
they thought this might help to break
Roman control of Palestine.
"Scourging." A brutal punishment com-
mon in the past, and used by the Romans
upon non-Roman culprits. The scourge was
a whip made of several leather thongs at-
tached to a wooden handle, with bits of
metal or bone fastened in the thongs.
"Council." The Jewish Sanhedrin, or sen-
ate, numbering approximately seventy men,
with the high priest presiding.
Interview With the Brethren
1.
To whom did Paul present him-
self at Jerusalem? Acts 21:17, 18.
2.
What did the brethren propose
to Paul, and why? Acts 21:19-25.
NOTE.—"The Jewish Christians living
within sight of the temple naturally al-
lowed their minds to revert to the peculiar
privileges of the Jews as a nation. When
they saw the Christian church departing
from the ceremonies and traditions of
Judaism, and perceived that the peculiar
sacredness with which the Jewish customs
had been invested would soon be lost sight
of in the light of the new faith, many
grew indignant with Paul as the one who
had, in a large measure, caused this change.
Even the disciples were not all prepared
to accept willingly the decision of the
council. Some were zealous for the cere-
monial law, and they regarded Paul with
disfavor because they thought that his
principles in regard to the obligations of
the Jewish law were
lax."—The Acts of
the Apostles,
page 197.
3.
How did Paul proceed in the
ritual of purification? Acts 21:26, 27
(first part).
NorE.—"He felt that if he could by any
lawful concession on his part win them
to the truth, he would remove a very
great obstacle to the success of the gospel
in other places. But he was not authorized
of God to concede so much as they had
asked. This concession was not in harmony
with his teachings, nor with the firm in-
tegrity of his character. His advisers were
not infallible. Though some of these men
wrote under the inspiration of the Spirit
of God, yet when not under its direct
influence they sometimes erred. It will be
remembered that on one occasion Paul
withstood Peter to the face because he
was acting a double part. . . .
"Instead of accomplishing the desired
object, these efforts for conciliation only
precipitated the crisis, hastened the pre-
dicted sufferings of Paul, separated him
from his brethren in his labors, deprived
the church of one of its strongest pillars,
and brought sorrow to Christian hearts in
every land."—E. G. White,
Sketches From
the Life of Paul,
pages 213, 214.
The Riot
4.
What happened when Jews from
Asia saw Paul in the temple? Acts
21:27 (last part), 28-31.
NOTE.—"With the fury of demons they
rushed upon him, crying, 'Men of Israel,
help: This is the man, that teacheth all
men everywhere against the people, and
the law, and this place.' And as the people
responded to the call for help, another ac-
cusation was added—`and further brought
Greeks also into the temple, and hath
polluted this holy place.'
"By the Jewish law it was a crime pun-
ishable with death for an uncircumcised
person to enter the inner courts of the
[29]
pacred edifice. Paul had been seen in the
city in company with Trophimus, an Ephe-
sian, and it was conjectured that he had
brought him into the temple. This he had
not done; and being himself a Jew, his act
in entering the temple was no violation of
the law. But though the charge was wholly
false, it served to arouse the popular prej-
udice."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
406, 407.
5.
How was Paul rescued? Acts 21:
32-36.
6.
How did Paul identify himself?
Acts 21:39.
NOTE.—Tarsus was the most important
city in all Cilicia. "The boast was quite
a legitimate one. In addition to all its fame
for culture, the town of Tarsus bore
on its coins the word METROPOLIS-
AUTONOMOS (Independent)."—C. J. El-
licott,
Commentary,
on Acts 21:39.
7.
How did Paul defend himself,
and what aroused the Jews to further
tumult? Acts 21:40 to 22:22.
NoTE.—Paul's defense was a recital of
his wonderful conversion experience, al-
ready studied in Acts 9. Additional infor-
mation in Paul's own account, given to the
Jewish crowd, concerns the vision he had
in the temple. Acts 22:17-21. Paul probably
spoke to the Jews in Aramaic, an impor-
tant tongue of the Hebrew-Syriac family of
languages and used commonly among Pal-
estinian Jews since the return from Bab-
ylonian exile.
8.
When the Jews cried out further,
what did the captain of the guard
plan to do with Paul? Acts 22:23, 24.
NoTE.—The "examination" would not be
an oral inquiry, but a brutal scourging to
compel Paul to confess to some wrong-
doing.
Paul's Defense
9.
By what statements of fact did
Paul avert the scourging? Acts 22:25-
29. Compare Acts 16:37-39.
NOTE.—"The magic of the Roman law
produced its effect in ,a moment. The cen-
turion immediately reported the words to
his commanding officers, and said signifi-
cantly, 'Take heed what thou doest, for
this man is a Roman citizen.' Lysias was
both astonished and alarmed. He knew
full well that no man would dare assume
the right of citizenship if it did not really
belong to him; and he hastened in person
to his prisoner. A hurried dialogue took
place, from which it appeared not only
that Paul was indeed a Roman citizen, but
that he had held this privilege under cir-
cumstances far more honorable than his
interrogator; for while Claudius Lysias had
purchased the right for 'a great sum,' Paul
was 'free-born,' Orders were instantly given
for the removal of the instruments of tor-
ture, and those who had been about to
conduct the examination retired."—W. J.
Conybeare and J. S. Howson,
The Life and
Epistles of St. Paul,
Vol. 2, pp. 259, 260.
10.
When called before the council,
what great gospel truth did Paul as-
sert, and with what result? Acts 22:
30 to 23:11.
NoTE.--The Pharisees believed in the
supernatural, in angels, and in a bodily
resurrection. The Sadducees rejected these
fundamental truths.
Removal to Caesarea
11.
What plot was formed against
Paul, and who revealed it? Acts 23:
12-22.
NoTE.—There is no information concern-
ing any of Paul's relatives, except this one
bare reference to a nephew.
12.
To what place was Paul re-
moved, to save his life? Acts 23:23-
33 (first part).
130]
13. Upon Paul's arrival at Caesarea,
what promise did Felix make? Acts
23:33 (last part), 34, 35.
NoTE.—Felix was the Roman procurator
or governor. He was in office from about
A.D.
52 to 60. He was succeeded by Porcius
Festus. Acts 24:27. A Roman historian says
of Felix, "With all manner of cruelty and
lust he exercised royal functions in the
spirit of a slave."
"Felix accepted jurisdiction of the case.
The accusers did not reach Caesarea until
five more days had passed (ch.
24:1)."—
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Acts 23:35.
"To show a liberal, self-deny-
ing spirit for the success of
foreign missions is a sure way
to advance home missionary
work; for the prosperity of
the home work depends
largely, under God, upon
the reflex influence of the
evangelical work done in
countries afar
off."—Coun-
sels on Sabbath School Work,
page 136.
Lesson 10, for March 9, 1968
Paul Before Felix and Festus
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts 24:1 to 25:12.
MEMORY VERSE:
"But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call
heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are
written in the law and in the prophets." Acts 24:14.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 419-432; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show how the gospel message through Paul reached
the ruling classes of his day.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-7.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-15.
❑
Thursday: Read from study helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. The Charges Against Paul
1.
The Jewish accusers.
Acts 24:1, 5-9.
2.
Called a Nazarene. Acts 24:5.
3.
Paul begins his defense.
Acts 24:10-13.
II. Paul's Careful Defense
4.
Paul's confession of faith.
Acts 24:14.
5.
Paul's belief in the resurrection.
Acts 24:15, 21.
131]
6.
Paul's mission of mercy.
Acts 24:17, 18.
7.
His conduct and character.
Acts 24:16.
III. Paul Before Felix
8.
Paul before Felix and Drusilla.
Acts 24:24.
9.
A warning to Felix.
Acts 24:25 (first part).
10.
Felix's postponement. Acts 24:25
(last part), 26.
11.
Prolonged imprisonment. Acts
24:27.
IV. Paul Appeals to Caesar
12.
Festus and the Jews. Acts 25:1-5.
13.
Paul's further defense.
Acts 25:8, 10, 11.
14.
Paul's appeal to the emperor.
Acts 25:10 (first part), 11 (last
part).
15.
The governor's decision.
Acts 25:12.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Before Jewish accusers,
come down to Caesarea, Paul defended
himself, showing that the gospel he pro-
claimed was in full accord with Old Testa-
ment truth. When a new governor, Festus,
took Felix's place, Paul again bore his
testimony, and when it looked as though
he might be returned to Jerusalem for
trial, appealed as a Roman citizen to
Caesar in Rome.
Place:
Caesarea.
Persons:
Paul; Felix the governor; Dru-
silla, his Jewish wife, a descendant of the
famous Jewish royal family of the Has-
monaeans or Maccabees; Porcius Festus,
Felix's successor; Ananias, the high priest;
the Jewish elders, members of the Sanhe-
drin; Tertullus, a hired prosecutor.
The Charges Against Paul
1. Of what did members of the
Sanhedrin accuse Paul? Acts 24:1,
5-9.
NoTE.—"In his speech against Paul, Ter-
tullus charged that he was a pestilent fel-
low, who created sedition among the Jews
throughout the world, and who was con-
sequently guilty of treason against the
emperor; that he was a leader of the sect
of Nazarenes, and chargeable with heresy
against the law of Moses; and that he
had profaned the temple, virtually an of-
fense not only against the Jewish but the
Roman law, which protected the Jews in
their religious worship."—E. G. White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 237.
2.
Of what movement was Paul
called "a ringleader"? Acts 24:5.
NorE.—Although the word "sect" has
a contemptuous flavor, the basic meaning
of the Greek word from which it is trans-
lated is a group which follows a "choice,"
and hence a separated party with certain
opinions different from others. The Greek
word is the same as that translated
"heresy" in Acts 24:14. The term "Naza-
rene" was used for followers of Christ, be-
cause Jesus had grown up in Nazareth.
3.
How did Paul state his inno-
cence? Acts 24:10-13.
Paul's Careful Defense
4.
What authority did Paul have
for the "way" in which he was walk-
ing? Acts 24:14.
NoTE.—The word "way" occurs often in
the book of Acts, and is frequently capi-
talized by Bible commentators as being
as meaningful as the word "Christian." It
describes the road walked by those who
fellowship with Christ, who is the "Way."
John 14:6. It has been no uncommon
thing for a man of faith and conscience,
who lives according to the law and the
prophets, to be called a heretic.
[ 32 ]
5.
In what hope, shared by some
of his accusers, did Paul live? Acts
24:15, 21. Compare Acts 23:6, 7.
6.
In contrast to the accusations
against him, for what good purpose
had Paul come to Jerusalem? Acts
24:17, 18.
7.
What did Paul claim regarding
his personal character and conduct?
Acts 24:16.
NOTE.—To have a conscience void of of-
fense "means something more than the
avoidance of the darker sins and the greater
crimes, of those misdeeds which stamp a
man as a sinner and a criminal in the eyes
of the world. It means (1) righteousness
in the sight of the Supreme; the being
counted righteous by God, and the at-
tainment of positive righteousness like His
own; so that a man is living in a state
of abiding acceptance with God, and is also
walking before Him in uprightness and
integrity of heart and life. It means also
(2) recognition of the claims of men on our
regard, and the consequent shaping of our
life in purity, honesty, truthfulness, help-
fulness; so that a man has not to reproach
himself either with acts of injury or with
negligence and inconsiderateness; he has
a 'conscience void of offense' toward men
as well as toward God."—The
Pulpit
Commentary,
"The Acts of the Apostles,"
Vol. 2, p. 236.
Paul Before Felix
8.
Who now heard Paul's further
testimony? Acts 24:24.
NOTE.—Drusilla, a younger sister of
King Herod Agrippa II and Bernice, and
a great-granddaughter of Herod the Great,
had been the wife of the king of Emesa.
At the age of twenty-two she had deserted
her husband to cast her lot with the Ro-
man Felix. "An example of the unbridled
licentiousness that stained his [Felix's]
character is seen in his alliance with Dru-
silla, which was consummated about this
time. Through the deceptive arts of Simon
Magus, a Cyprian sorcerer, Felix had in-
duced this princess to leave her husband
and to become his
wife."—Sketches From
the Life of Paul,
page 235.
9.
Of what did Paul reason with
them? Acts 24:25 (first part).
10.
What was Felix's reaction to
this? Acts 24:25 (last part), 26.
NoTE.—Felix preferred bribes to salva-
tion.
11.
Who succeeded Felix after two
years, and what was done with Paul?
Acts 24:27.
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[ 33 ]
Paul Appeals to Caesar
12.
How did Festus answer the
Jews who asked that Paul be con-
victed? Acts 25:1-5.
NOTE.
-The
pagan Roman Festus was
fairer and more open to guidance from the
Spirit of God than the biased and bitter
Jews.
13.
In what terms did Paul again
insist upon his innocence? Acts 25:
8, 10, 11.
14.
What appeal did Paul make,
and why? Acts 25:10 (first part), 11
(last part).
NOTE.
-The right of appeal to the em-
peror's judgment seat belonged to Roman
citizenship, and even the most depraved
emperor was likely in such cases of appeal
to attempt an honorable judgment.
15.
What was Festus's decision con-
cerning Paul? Acts 25:12.
Lesson 11, for March 16, 1968
Paul Before King Agrippa
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts 25:13 to 26:32.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Whereupon, 0 King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the
heavenly vision." Acts 26:19.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 433-438; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show the effects of the impact of the gospel upon
royal Jewish minds.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-7.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-15.
❑
Thursday: Read from study helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. A Royal Interview
1.
Arrival of Agrippa and Bernice.
Acts 25:13.
2.
Festus reviews the case.
Acts 25:14-21.
3.A
pompous gathering Acts 25:
22, 23.
4. The expectations of Festus.
Acts 25:24-27.
II. Paul's Defense
5.
Paul's Jewish heritage.
Acts 26:4, 5.
6.
The basis of Paul's hope.
Acts 26:6, 7.
7.
The resurrection doctrine.
Acts 26:8, 14, 15.
III. From Persecutor to Gospel Witness
8.
Saul the persecutor. Acts 26:9-11.
9.
Paul the witness. Acts 26:12-15.
10.
The heavenly vision. Acts 26:19.
[ 34 ]
11.
The essence of the gospel.
Acts 26:22, 23.
IV.
Agrippa's Decision
12.
Festus calls Paul mad.
Acts 26:24-27.
13.
Agrippa rejects the message.
Acts 26:28.
14.
Paul's desire for the king.
Acts 26:29.
15.
The king's judgment. Acts 26:32.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Paul was held at Caesarea
to be interviewed by King Herod Agrippa
II and his sister Bernice. He told his story
to Herod, and appealed to the king, though
in vain, to accept the gospel. He was
ordered to Rome.
Place:
Caesarea.
Persons:
Paul; Porcius Festus, the gov-
ernor; King Herod Agrippa II and his
sister Bernice, children of King Herod
Agrippa I (Acts 12), and great-grand-
children of King Herod the Great; the
chief men of the Roman garrison and of
the city of Caesarea.
A Royal Interview
1.
Who now came on a visit of
state to Festus? Acts 25:13.
NOTE.—King Herod Agrippa II was the
last of the famous Jewish Hasmonaean or
Maccabean royal family to exercise ruler-
ship.
2.
How did Festus explain Paul's
case? Acts 25:14-21.
3.
Who were present when Paul
appeared before the royal visitors?
Acts 25:22, 23.
NOTE.—"What a contrast was there pre-
sented! Agrippa and Bernice were desti-
tute of the traits of character which God
esteems. They were transgressors of His
law, corrupt in heart and in life. God and
angels abhorred their course of sin. But
because they possessed, in a limited degree,
power and position, they were the favorites
of the world. That aged prisoner, standing
chained to his soldier guard, presented
nothing imposing or attractive in his dress
or appearance, that the world should pay
him homage. Yet this man, apparently
without friends or wealth or position, had
an escort that worldlings could not see.
Angels of heaven were his attendants. Had
the glory of one of those shining messengers
flashed forth, the pomp and pride of
royalty would have paled before it"—
E. G. White,
Sketches From the Life of
Paul,
page 254.
4.
What did Festus hope would re-
sult from this interview? Acts 25:
24-27.
Paul's Defense
5.
How did Paul begin his defense?
Acts 26:4, 5. Compare Phil. 3:3.5.
6.
Upon what solid basis did Paul's
spiritual hope rest? Acts 26:6, 7.
NOTE.—Paul insisted always, and truth-
fully, that his teachings were not new and
strange, but in complete harmony with
the inspired truths of the Hebrew faith
as set forth in the Scriptures. Compare
Luke 24:27, 44. The Christian of today,
seeking to obey God as evidence of his
love for Him, must be able to point out
that he also believes and practices all that
is taught in the Scriptures of truth.
35]
7.
How did Paul's experience at Da-
mascus establish his faith in the resur-
rection doctrine? Acts 26:8, 14, 15.
NOTE.—"Why, he asked, should it appear
incredible that Christ should rise from the
dead? It had once been so to himself; but
how could he disbelieve what he had him-
self seen and heard in that noonday vision?
He could bear witness to the resurrection
of the dead; for he had looked upon the
crucified and risen Christ,—the same who
walked the streets of Jerusalem, who died
on Calvary, who broke the bands of death,
and ascended to heaven from Olivet. He
had seen Him and had talked with Him as
verily as had Cephas, James, John, or any
other of the disciples. And how could he be
disobedient when the Voice from heaven
sent him forth to open the eyes of Jews
and Gentiles, that they might turn from
darkness to light, and from the power of
Satan unto God, that they might receive
forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance
among them that are sanctified? In Da-
mascus, in Jerusalem, and throughout all
Judea, and to the Gentiles, he had preached
repentance toward God, faith in Christ,
and a life consistent therewith."—Sketches
From the Life of Paul,
pages 257, 258.
From Persecutor to Gospel Witness
8.
What facts of his past life did
Paul recount? Acts 26:9-11.
9.
How was his persecuting career
arrested? Acts 26:12-15.
10.
To what had Paul immediately
given obedience? Acts 26:19.
NOTE.—Whether or not a man has a
supernatural vision of his God, he is under
obligation, when God grants him by the
Spirit a spiritual perception of truth, to
obey as immediately and unselfishly as did
Paul when he received his Damascus call.
11.
In what striking terms did Paul
summarize for King Agrippa the
gos-
pel
message? Acts 26:22, 23.
NoTE.—"The apostle was dwelling upon
his favorite theme, in that solemn, earnest,
impassioned manner which had been so
powerful an agent in his mission. In the
all-absorbing interest of his subject, he
lost sight of kings and governors and chief
captains, of wealth, rank, and titles. He
was bearing the testimony which was the
object of his life, and he could speak with
the assurance of long familiarity and the
fire of intense conviction. None who heard
him could doubt his sincerity. But in the
full tide of his eloquence he was suddenly
stopped short. The facts related were new
to Festus, as to nearly all present. The
whole audience had listened spellbound to
Paul's account of wonderful experiences
and visions, of revelations and ancient
prophecies, and of a Jewish prophet who
had been rejected and crucified, yet who
had risen from the dead and ascended to
heaven; and who only could forgive sins
and lighten the darkness of Jews and Gen-
tiles."—Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 258.
Agrippa's Decison
12.
How was Paul interrupted, and
how did he respond? Acts 26:24-27.
NOTE.—The original for "much learning"
might be translated "the many writings,"
as a reference to the sacred writings of the
Jews of which Paul was so ardent a stu-
dent.
13.
How was Agrippa affected by
Paul's message? Acts 26:28.
NOTE.—"Deeply affected, Agrippa for the
moment lost sight of his surroundings and
the dignity of his position. Conscious only
of the truths which he had heard, seeing
only the humble prisoner standing before
him as God's ambassador, he answered
involuntarily, 'Almost thou persuadest me
to be a Christian.'
"—The Acts of the
Apostles,
page 438.
[36]
14.
What experience did Paul de-
sire for the king? Acts 26:29.
15.
What was the king's final
opinion concerning Paul's case? Acts
26:32.
NorE.—"As the assembly dispersed, the
case of Paul was freely discussed, and all
agreed that, while he might be an enthu-
siast or a fanatic, he could not in any sense
be regarded as a legal criminal; he had
done nothing worthy of death or im-
prisonment.
"Though Agrippa was a Jew, he did not
share the bigoted zeal and blind prejudice
of the Pharisees. He had no desire to see
freedom of thought suppressed by violence.
'This man,' he said, 'might have been set at
liberty, if he had not appealed unto Cae-
sar.' But now that the case had been re-
ferred to that higher tribunal, it was be-
yond the jurisdiction of Festus or Agrippa.
Yet, two years afterward, the result of
that day's proceedings saved the life so
precious to the cause of
God."—Sketches
From the Life of Paul,
pages 260, 261.
"Let the world see that we
are not selfishly narrowed up
to our own exclusive inter-
ests and religious joys, but
that we are liberal and de-
sire them to share our bless-
ings and privileges through
the sanctification of the
truth."—Testimonies,
vol. 4,
p. 59.
Lesson 12, for March 23, 1968
The Journey to Rome
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts
27:1 to 28:14.
MEMORY VERSE:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Ps. 46:1.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 439-468; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show how
God, in working out His will, can over-
come the most adverse circumstances.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath
afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12-14.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Thursday: Read from study helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-7.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
❑
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Sailing for Rome
1.
The ship's course. Acts 27:1-8.
2.
The stormy season. Acts 27:9.
3.
Paul's counsel rejected. Acts
27:10-20.
II. Effects of the Storm
4.
Paul's message of assurance.
Acts 27:21-26.
E 37
5.
The sailors' attempt to escape.
Acts 27:27-32.
6.
Paul's counsel followed.
Acts 27:33-36.
7.
A full ship. Acts 27:37.
Ill. The Landing at Malta
8.
Escape from the wreck.
Acts 27:38 to 28:1.
9.
Paul saved from death. Acts
28:2-6.
10.
A courteous reception. Acts 28:7.
11.
Miracles of healing. Acts 28:8, 9.
IV. The Departure for Rome
12.
Cordial preparations for the voy-
age. Acts 28:10.
13.
The departure. Acts 28:11.
14.
Among brethren again. Acts 28:14.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
The voyage of Paul the
prisoner to Rome was fraught with dan-
ger. The ship, storm-tossed day after day,
finally broke up on the shore of the island
of Malta. Paul's courage and endurance
had been an example to all on shipboard
throughout the voyage, and when the ship-
wrecked passengers and crew were forced
to make their way ashore, Paul's wisdom
and heaven-inspired counsel enabled them
to land safely. From Malta, Paul eventu-
ally made his way to Rome where he was
held a prisoner under very liberal rules.
Places:
Caesarea; Sidon; Myra; Fair
Havens in Crete; Malta; Syracuse in Sic-
ily; Reggio, Puteoli, Rome, in Italy.
Persons:
Paul; Luke; Aristarchus; Ju-
lius, a centurion, and his soldiers; the ship's
passengers and crew; an angel; the people
of Malta; Publius the governor, and his
father; Christian believers in Italy; the
Jews of Rome; a Roman army officer, and
soldiers.
Interesting Terms:
"Euroclydon." A
northeast wind, a troublesome weather
breeder in the eastern Mediterranean in
the winter season.
"The fast." Probably the Day of Atone-
ment, on the tenth day of the seventh
month of the Hebrew religious year, com-
ing in the latter part of October, when
based on the barley-harvest reckoning.
"Boat." A small boat carried by the
larger ship.
"Quicksands." The shores of modern
Tunis, in North Africa.
"Adria." The Adriatic Sea, east of Italy.
"Meat." Old English translation of an
original word meaning food in general.
Sailing for Rome
1.
What course was taken by the
ship carrying Paul to Rome? Acts
27:1-8.
NOTE.—"The voyage began prosperously,
and the day after they started, they cast
anchor in the harbor of Sidon. Here Julius,
the centurion who had listened to the
apostle's address before Agrippa, and had
thus been favorably disposed toward him,
`courteously entreated Paul,' and being in-
formed that there were Christians in the
place, he 'gave him liberty to go unto his
friends to refresh himself.' The favor was
highly appreciated by the apostle, who
was in feeble health, and but scantily pro-
vided with comforts for the long journey.
His brief stay in Sidon was like an oasis
in his barren and dreary path, and proved a
comfort and encouragement to him during
the anxious, storm-tossed weeks upon the
sea."—E. G. White,
Sketches From the Life
of Paul,
page 263.
2.
What was the season of the
year? Acts 27:9. Compare verse 12.
3.
After Paul's counsel was rejected,
in what was the ship caught? Acts
27:10-20.
NOTE.—"All night the tempest raged, and
the ship leaked. The next day, all on board
—soldiers, sailors, passengers, and prisoners
[
&s]
—united in throwing overboard every-
thing that could be spared. Night came
again, but the wind did not abate. The
storm-beaten ship, with its shattered mast
and rent sails, was tossed hither and thither
by the fury of the gale. Every moment it
seemed that the groaning timbers must
give way as the vessel reeled and quivered
under the tempest's shock. The leak rapidly
increased, and passengers and crew worked
constantly at the pumps. There was not a
moment's rest for one on board."—
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 265.
The Effects of the Storm
4.
What assurance was Paul en-
abled to bring? Acts 27:21-26.
NOTE.—"At these words, hope revived.
Passengers and crew roused from their
apathy. There was much yet to be done,
and every effort within their power must
he put forth to avert destruction."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 443.
5.
What cowardly attempt did some
make to escape? Acts 27:27-32.
6.
What did Paul urge? Acts 27:
33-36.
7.
What evidence is there of the
size of the vessel? Acts 27:37.
NoTE.—Huge ships sailed the Mediter-
ranean in Paul's day, especially for the
grain trade between Egypt and Rome.
Ships of lengths up to 200 feet with fifty-
foot beam are noted, with 150 to 200 oars-
men, and sails to supplement the oars.
The Landing at Malta
8.
How was the landing made, and
on what island? Acts 27:38 to 28:1.
9.
What miracle saved Paul, with
what result? Acts 28:2-6. Compare
Mark 16:17, 18.
NOTE.—"Paul was among the most ac-
tive in collecting fuel. As he was placing
a bundle of sticks upon the fire, a viper
that had been suddenly revived from its
torpor by the heat, darted from the fagots
and fastened upon his hand. The bystanders
were horror-struck, and seeing by his chain
that Paul was a prisoner, they said to one
another, 'No doubt this man is a mur-
derer, whom, though he hath escaped the
sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.'
But Paul shook off the creature into the
fire, and suffered no harm. Knowing its
venomous nature, they watched him closely
for some time, expecting every moment to
see him fall down, writhing in terrible
agony. But as no unpleasant results fol-
lowed, they changed their minds, and, like
the people of Lystra, said that he was a
god. By this circumstance Paul gained a
strong influence over the islanders, and he
sought faithfully to employ it in leading
them to accept the truths of the gospel."—
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
pages 270,
271.
10.
What kind of reception was
accorded them on the island, and at
whose hands? Acts 28:7.
NOTE.—"The chief [or "first"] man of
the island" is probably an official title, for
it has been found on Maltese inscriptions.
Publius was one of this man's names, no
doubt the one most commonly used. His
courtesy to strangers brought him in con-
tact with the power of God.
"We are to be courteous toward all men,
tenderhearted and sympathetic; for this
was the character Christ manifested when
on earth. The more closely we are united
with Jesus Christ, the more tender and
affectionate will be our conduct toward
one
another."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 377.
11.
What circumstance led to a
miracle of healing in the home of
Publius, and with what results? Acts
28:8, 9.
[391
The Departure for Rome
12.
What relationship did the peo-
ple of the island sustain toward Paul
and his companions until their de-
parture? Acts 28:10.
13.
For how long did they remain
on the island, and in what vessel did
they depart? Acts 28:11.
14.
At what place did Paul enjoy
fellowship with brethren? Acts 28:14.
NOTE.—Puteoli (Pozzuoli) was in the
Bay of Naples. They had covered some
180 nautical miles in under two days, and
were now in the principal port of southern
Italy, the great grain emporium for the
Alexandrian wheat ships. Jews and Chris-
tians were found in this seaport.
"In this place there were a few Chris-
tians, and they entreated the apostle to
remain with them for seven days, a privi-
lege kindly granted by the centurion. Since
receiving Paul's epistle to the Romans, the
Christians of Italy had eagerly looked
forward to a visit from the apostle."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 447.
"Every principle in the Word
of God has its place, , every
fact its bearing. And the
complete structure, in design
and execution, bears testi-
mony to its Author. Such a
structure no mind but that
of the Infinite could con-
ceive or
fashion."—Educa-
tion,
page 124.
Lesson 13, for March 30, 1968
Paul's Last Years
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts
28:15-31; 2 Tim. 1:12-17; 4:6-8.
MEMORY VERSE:
"I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He
is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day."
2 Tim.
1:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 469-513; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To witness Paul's faith and activity during imprison-
ment, and his evangelistic fervor to the end of his long and arduous career
for Christ.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 10-14.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Thursday: Read from study helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-6.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
❑
[ 40 ]
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Paul in Rome
1.
Courage from companions.
Acts 28:15.
2.
With a solitary guard. Acts 28:16.
3.
Meeting the Jews. Acts 28:17-20
(first part).
II. Paul and the Jews in Rome
4.
"The hope of Israel." Acts 28:20
(second part).
5.
The Jews' cautious reply.
Acts 28:21, 22.
6.
Paul's testimony of Jesus.
Acts 28:23, 24.
III. Paul and the Gentile World
7.
Paul's final word to the Jews.
Acts 28:25-28.
8.
Paul's prophecy of the Gentiles.
Acts 28:28 (last part).
9.
Jewish rejection of the gospel.
Acts 13:45.
IV. The Everlasting Gospel to the
Whole World
10.
Jesus and the Jewish rejection.
Matt. 13 :14, 15 ; 21:43.
11.
Duration and nature of Paul's im-
prisonment. Acts 28:30.
12.
The courageous spirit of Paul.
Acts 28:31.
13.
A touching conversion.
Philemon 1, 10.
14.
Paul's undying courage. 2 Tim.
1:12; 4:6-8.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Paul reached the Roman
mainland, and a touching meeting is re-
corded with a deputation of Christians who
had traveled forty miles to meet him.
Though chained to a guard, Paul enjoyed a
large measure of freedom and spent two
profitable years in meeting Jews and Gen-
tiles, preaching the gospel of the kingdom,
and writing certain epistles to the churches.
Converts were made and the church im-
mensely strengthened under the apostle's
courage and care.
Place:
Rome.
Persons:
Paul; Luke; Timothy; Titus;
Demas; Nero.
Paul in Rome
1. What did the Christians of Rome
do when they heard of the apostle's
approach, and with what result? Acts
28:15.
NOTE.
-A group of Christians set out
from Rome along the famous military
road, the Appian Way, so called because
it was planned during the censorship of
Appius Claudius, 312 B.c. The Three Tav-
erns was a stopping place about forty
miles from Rome, and here the brethren
met the apostle.
" 'They came to meet us' . . . was al-
most a technical term for the official wel-
come of a visiting dignitary. . . . Compare
the same use in Matt. 25:6; 1 Thess. 4:17."
-F. F. Bruce,
The Book of the Acts,
page
527.
Paul's long-cherished desire to visit
Rome (Rom. 1:9-12) was now gratified,
and he took courage on meeting the breth-
ren. Read
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages
448, 449, on this meeting.
2. What unusual favor was granted
to Paul when he arrived in Rome?
Acts 28:16.
NOTE.
-"The good account which he
[Julius I gave of Paul, together with the
letter from Festus, caused the apostle to
be favorably regarded by the chief cap-
tain, and, instead of being thrown into
prison, he was permitted to live in his
own hired house. Although still constantly
chained to a soldier, he was at liberty to
receive his friends and to labor for the
advancement of the cause of Christ."-
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 449, 450.
[ 41 ]
3.
What was Paul's first significant
recorded action after he arrived in
Rome? Acts 28:17-20 (first part).
NoTE.—"Many of the Jews who had
been banished from Rome some years
previously, had been allowed to return, so
that large numbers were now to be found
there. To these, first of all, Paul determined
to present the facts concerning himself
and his work, before his enemies should
have opportunity to embitter them against
him. Three days after his arrival in Rome,
therefore, he called together their leading
men and in a simple, direct manner stated
why he had come to Rome as a prisoner."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 450.
"He said nothing of the abuse which he
had suffered at the hands of the Jews, or
of their repeated plots to assassinate him.
His words were marked with caution and
kindness. He was not seeking to win per-
sonal attention or sympathy, but to defend
the truth and to maintain the honor of the
gospel."—Ibid.
Paul and the Jews in Rome
4.
What reason did Paul mention
for his presence as a prisoner in
Rome? Acts 28:20 (second part).
NOTE.—Paul was at pains to make it
clear that he was in Rome, not to appeal
to Rome over the head of the Jewish
authorities, but "for the hope of Israel."
That would imply the Messianic hope.
"It was a principle with the Jews not
to invoke Gentile authority against their
own people. Similarly Paul held (1 Cor.
vi. 1) that Christians ought not to go to
law before heathen tribunals. Hence he
was anxious that these Jews should not
think that in appealing he had any thought
of bringing a charge against his country-
men."—W. M. Furneaux,
The Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 410, 411.
5.
What were the two main points
in the reply of the Jews to Paul's
statement? Acts 28:21, 22.
Nom—They diplomatically answered that
no reports from Judea had preceded him,
but they admitted knowledge of the wide-
spread hostility to "this sect." Nero, one
of the worst of Roman emperors, scarcely
over twenty-five years old, was on the
throne, and he was already feared for his
bloodthirstiness. Both Jews and Christians
needed to be careful. Perhaps the edict of
Acts 18:2 made them still more cautious
in discussing Christianity.
6.
How did Paul grasp the oppor-
tunity to speak to these Jews? Acts 28:
23, 24.
NOTE.—"He expounded and testified the
kingdom of God," and he persuaded "them
concerning Jesus." These things are the
basis of all successful preaching. Compare
Acts 18:4.
"As Paul spoke of what he knew, and
testified of what he had seen, concerning
Jesus of Nazareth as the hope of Israel,
those who were honestly seeking for truth
were convinced. Upon some minds, at
least, his words made an impression that
was never effaced. But others stubbornly
refused to accept the plain testimony of
the Scriptures, even when presented to
them by one who had the special illumi-
nation of the Holy Spirit. They could not
refute his arguments, but they refused to
accept his conclusions."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 452, 453.
Paul and the Gentile World
7.
When many would not believe,
what was Paul's final word to the
Jews? Acts 28:25-28.
Norz.—This is the last instance of re-
jection recorded in the book, and it is
fitting to note that Paul's use of Isaiah
6:9 recalls the warning to the newly called
Isaiah that he would not meet with a
favorable response from his people. Note
how Jesus used the same words of Isaiah
in Matthew 13:14, 15. The Jewish rejection
of Jesus was also stated tersely by John:
"He came unto His own, and His own
received Him not." John 1:11.
1 42 I
8.
What prophetic utterance did
Paul make to the Jews concerning
the Gentiles and the salvation of
God? Acts 28:28 (last part).
NoTE.—"The narrative reaches a solemn
climax—rejection on the one side, un-
checked success and hope on the other."—
F. H. Chase,
The Credibility of the Book
of the Acts of the Apostles,
page 52, quoted
in F. F. Bruce,
The Book of the Acts,
page
534.
"The word of Paul in Rome was the
final word. Ere very many years had gone,
after a period of oppression, tyranny, and
suffering, the Roman eagles were carried
through Jerusalem, and the nation was
swept out. It was the occasion of the last
and solemn abandonment of the people,
this word spoken by Paul to the Hebrew
rulers in that city of Rome, the central
city of the world."—G. Campbell Morgan,
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 542.
9.
What evidence is there that the
Jews definitely rejected the gospel
message before the apostles turned to
the Gentiles? Acts 13:45. Compare
Rom. 11:11.
NOTE.—"Filled with envy, . . . contra-
dicting and blaspheming." Paul and Bar-
nabas waxed bold, despite this rejection,
and replied: "It was necessary that the
word of God should first have been spoken
to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and
judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting
life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles." Acts 13:
46. They then quoted Isaiah 42:6 as ful-
filled in the Christian gospel: "I have set
thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that
thou shouldest be for salvation unto the
ends of the earth." Acts 13:47.
The Everlasting Gospel to the
Whole World
NoTE.—In Matthew 13, in the parables
of the kingdom, Jesus used the same words
of Isaiah as were used by Paul to the
Jews in Rome. John quoted the same
words about the unbelieving Jews. John
12:40. Many years later, John wrote:
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst
of heaven, having the everlasting gospel
to preach unto them that dwell on the
earth, and to every nation, and kindred,
and tongue, and people." Rev. 14:6.
11.
How long did Paul spend in
Rome at this time, and how was his
time occupied? Acts 28:30.
NOTE.—"In the providence of God this
delay resulted in the furtherance of the
gospel. Through the favor of those who had
Paul in charge, he was permitted to dwell
in a commodious house,
where he could
meet freely with his friends and also
present the truth daily to those who came
to hear... .
"During this time the churches that he
had established in many lands were not
forgotten. Realizing the dangers that
threatened the converts to the new faith,
the apostle sought so far as possible to
meet their needs by letters of warning and
practical instruction. And from Rome he
sent out consecrated workers to labor not
only for these churches, but in fields that
he himself had not visited. These workers,
as wise shepherds, strengthened the work
so well begun by Paul; and the apostle,
kept informed of the condition and dangers
of the churches by constant communication
with them, was enabled to exercise a wise
supervision over
all."—The Acts of the
Apostles,
pages ,453, 454.
The letters Paul wrote from Rome are
known as the "Prison Epistles," and their
identity is suggested in Philippians 1:13 ;
Colossians 1:24; Ephesians 3:13; and
Philemon 1.
12.
How do the closing words of
the book of Acts show the courageous
spirit of Paul? Acts 28:31.
10. How did Jesus teach both the
Jewish rejection of the gospel and
its acceptance by Gentiles? Matt. 13:
14, 15; 21:43. Compare Matt. 24:14.
. . .
with all confidence." That is a grand
[43
1
NOTE.—"Preaching the kingdom of God
conclusion to events which began in Jeru-
salem and had now spread abroad to
Rome, the center of the world.
13. What touching story of con-
version at this time did Paul record?
Philemon 1, 10.
NoTE.—"Among those who gave their
hearts to God through the labors of Paul
in Rome was Onesimus, a pagan slave who
had wronged his master, Philemon, a
Christian believer in .Colosse, and had
escaped to Rome. In the kindness of his
heart, Paul sought to relieve the poverty
and distress of the wretched fugitive and
then endeavored to shed the light of truth
into his darkened mind... .
"Onesimus endeared himself to Paul by
his piety and sincerity, no less than by
his tender care for the apostle's comfort,
and his zeal in promoting the work of the
gospel. Paul saw in him traits of char-
acter that would render him a useful helper
in missionary labor, and he counseled him
to return without delay to Philemon, beg
his forgiveness, and plan for the future."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 456.
"Paul voluntarily proposed to assume
the debt of Onesimus in order that the
guilty one might be spared the disgrace
of punishment, and might again enjoy the
privileges he had forfeited. 'If thou count
me therefore a partner,' he wrote to Phi-
lemon, 'receive him as myself. If he hath
wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put
that on mine account; I Paul have written
it with mine own hand, I will repay it.'
"How fitting an illustration of the love
of Christ for the repentant sinner!"—
Ibid.,
p. 458.
"One passage studied until
its significance is clear to the
mind and its relation to the
plan of salvation is evident,
is of more value than the
perusal of many chapters
with no definite purpose in
view and no positive instruc-
tion gained."—Steps
to
Christ,
page 90.
"The springs of heavenly
peace and joy unsealed in the
soul by the words of Inspira-
tion will become a mighty
river of influence to bless all
who come within its reach."
—Education,
page 192.
14. What do we know about Paul's
courage as the end of his life ap-
proached? 2 Tim. 1:12; 4:6-8.
NOTE.—After two years' imprisonment
I_,u1 was tried and declared guiltless by
Nero, and he was again free to visit the
churches. But after a time he was im-
prisoned again, and in his second trial
before Nero he was sentenced to be be-
headed.
"The apostle was looking into the great
beyond, not with uncertainty or dread,
but with joyous hope and longing expecta-
tion. As he stands at the place of martyr-
dom he sees not the sword of the execu-
tioner or the earth so soon to receive his
blood; he looks up through the calm blue
heaven of that summer day to the throne
of the Eternal."--The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 511, 512.
"Well-nigh
a
score of centuries have
passed since Paul the aged poured out his
blood as a witness for the word of God
and the testimony of Jesus Christ. No
faithful hand recorded for the generations
to come the last scenes in the life of this
holy man, but Inspiration has preserved
for us his dying testimony. Like a trumpet
peal his voice has rung out through all the
ages since, nerving with his own courage
thousands of witnesses for Christ and
wakening in thousands of sorrow-stricken
hearts the echo of his own triumphant
joy: 'I am now ready to be offered, and
the time of my departure is at hand. I have
fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, I have kept the faith: henceforth
there is laid up for me a crown of righ-
teousness, which the Lord, the righteous
Judge, shall give me at that day: and not
to me only, but unto all them also that
love His appearing.'
"—Ibid.,
p.
513.
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E 451
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
March 30, 1968
Southern European Division
The Southern European Division is to benefit once more from a
Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow the first quarter of 1968.
The offering received at the end of the third quarter of 1965 amounted
to $88,198.16, of which 13 percent has been employed to purchase land and
build the first building for a new mission station in Abong-Mbang in
Cameroun, and 37 percent has been applied to establish new work among
the Bamileke tribe, who also inhabit Cameroun. The other half of the
offering is being invested with other funds in a new dormitory for the girls
attending the French Adventist Seminary at Collonges, France.
This last offering, and others in the past as well, have been a great
blessing and have meant much to the various projects that have benefited
in Africa and certain parts of Europe, and we thank you for each of them.
This year's offering is to go in full to Spain, and will be applied wholly
toward the construction of chapels. The time has now come when a greater
measure of liberty is being felt, and the golden opportunity is here when
God's people should consolidate their position in that country.
The work in Spain was organized in. 1903 and has grown but slowly.
Civil war and many difficulties have retarded the glorious march of God's
servants with their message for this time. But in spite of so many obstacles
the work has progressed nicely during the past few years.
Spain has a population of about thirty-two million. There are twenty-
one organized churches, and thank God they are all open and have govern-
ment permission. There are approximately 30,000 Protestants in Spain, and
Seventh-day Adventists are recognized as occupying third place among the
non-Catholic Christians.
Spain has produced a very respectable and fruitful ministry with a total
of seventy-six active workers, including literature evangelists who are busy
bringing the message to its millions. Today thousands of Spaniards are lis-
tening eagerly to the spoken word of our evangelists, but it is a great prob-
lem to accommodate the people. As yet no public halls can be used, and the
whole evangelistic program may be carried out only in properly authorized
chapels. Therefore church buildings are a must, and the more we can build
the more the membership will grow.
Now is the time to help Spain to erect these buildings, and hundreds,
yes, even thousands, will find their way into the ranks of God's remnant
people.
Are you seeking to invest your means profitably? Then do it with a
glad heart and in a generous way by helping Spain to build its projected
churches, and we thank you for it.
[ 46 ]
Lessons for the Second Quarter, 1968
Sabbath School members who have not received a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for
the second quarter of 1968 will be helped by the following outline in studying the
first lesson. The title of the series is "Faith and the Promises of God." The title of
the first lesson is "Faith Is Indispensable." The memory verse is Hebrews 11:6.
The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Heb. 11:1.
Ques. 2. Mark 11:22 ; John 3:16.
Ques. 3. 2 Cor. 5:7.
Ques. 4. Rom. 10:17.
Ques. 5. Gal. 5:6.
Ques. 6. Heb. 11:6.
Ques. 7. Heb. 11:3; 2 Peter 3:13.
Ques. 8. Eph. 2:8; 3:17.
Ques. 9. Rom. 15:13.
Ques. 10. Mark 9:23.
Ques. 11. 2 Chron. 20:20.
Ques. 12. Luke 18:8; 2 Peter 3:3, 4.
Ques. 13. Heb. 10:35-37.
Ques. 14. Eph. 6:16.
[ 47 ]
SOUTHERN EUROPEAN DIVISION
Union of
rowan
topnIzegn
Ch•rde•
C
te:
Angola UM
5,012,000
63
19,340
33,200
Austrian UC
7,237,000
42
2,592
3,081
Bulgarian Mission
8,177,500
70
2,823
2,940
Czechoslovakian UC
14,158,579
50
8,733
10,000
&mat African UM
11282,280
54
10,178
23.822
Franco-Belgian UC
58,812,323
93
5,800
4,070
Creek Mission
10,324,861
9
242
292
Hungarian UC
10,160,000
153
5,800
6,163
Indian Ocean UM
7,507,810
105
6,037
11,935
Israel Mission
2,606,600
3
52
56
Italian UM
51,829,525
59
3,222
3.578
Mozambique Mission
6.800.000
42
6,563
14,901
North Afrkan Mission
28,194,000
7
164
147
Portuguese UM
10,320,000
35
3,159
3,457
Romanian UC
19,027.000
511
34,069
35,772
Senegal Mission
15.546,164
25
59
Spanish Church
31.745241
21
2217
2,486
Swiss UC
5,896,600
60
3.799
3,447
Yugoslavian UC
19,632,000
240
9,888
10,000
DIVISION TOTALS
324,269,483
1,618
124,683
169,411
CANARY ISLANDS
c;s2
Shaded portions represent men having
churches or groups of believers. Remainder of
mop shows uncotered territories.
KEY
STATISTICS
-
SPAIN
Population
31,745,241
No. Churches
21
Church Membership
2,217
S.S. Membership
2,486
